Final answer:
Cultural differences in communication styles and work ethic can lead to the formation of prejudice due to stereotypes, biases, and influences from our culture. However, promoting diversity training and positive interactions between cultural groups can help reduce prejudice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cultural differences in communication styles and work ethic can lead to the formation of prejudice because people often hold stereotypes and biases about other cultural groups. These stereotypes and biases can result in excluding, avoiding, and biased treatment of group members. For example, if someone holds a stereotype that people from a certain culture are lazy or untrustworthy, they may judge and discriminate against individuals from that culture based on that stereotype.
Additionally, prejudice can be embedded in our culture, as we grow up surrounded by images of stereotypes and casual expressions of racism and prejudice. These influences can shape our thought processes and contribute to prejudice towards certain groups. For instance, if someone is constantly exposed to negative portrayals of a particular ethnic or racial group in the media, they may develop prejudiced attitudes towards that group.
To reduce prejudice, it is important to promote diversity training and encourage positive interactions between different cultural groups. The contact between groups should be under conditions that promote equal standing, common goals, cooperation, and support from the institution or authorities. Research has shown that such contact can help reduce prejudice between groups.