Running Head: GR 501 – DIVERSE ORGANIZATIONS REFLECTION PAPER 1.

GR 501 –DIVERSE ORGANIZATIONS REFLECTION PAPER

By Julio Ramos

GR 501 Organizational Behavior and Development

International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI)

December 10, 2017

Instructor: Dr. Alicia Law

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Individual Writing Assignment

Description

Organizational Behavior Final Writing Assignment

Reflection Paper on Diverse Organizations

For this assignment you will go to three of the following separate organizations: 1) The Farmers

Market located by the Cayman National Bank Roundabout (open every day except Sundays) 2) a

church of your choice (opposite of a church you would regularly attend), 3) Cayman Islands

National Museum on West Bay Road, 4) Pedro St. Johns Castle, or 5) Cayman Turtle Center in

West Bay

The reflective essay should follow the same format as most academic essays: introduction,

thesis, examples and conclusion. A reflective essay is more personal and helps contribute to

improvement of understanding. It is different than an informative essay, for which you may

research a topic, or have to come up with ways to support your conclusions. Instead, reflective

essay writing is unique to the individual. There is no right or wrong answer. It means to look at a

situation and present your findings. It is all about your perspective, post-experience. It is based

on your own experiences. Highlight the most important areas and how they coordinate with the

subject at hand – in this case organizational behavior.

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Introduction

Diversity in organizations refers to differences between people in an organization, and

these differences encompass gender, race, ethnic group, age, personality, cognitive style,

organization function, education and background (Robbins, P & Judge, T. 2016). The diversity is

extended to how people perceive themselves and how they perceive others. The perceptions, in

turn, affect interactions by way of communication, adaptability, and change (Griffin, E. Schorr-

Hirsh, M. 1995). These interactions can only be guided by recognizing the need to address any

issues with the willingness managing diversity. The Cayman Islands is a diverse society and

locals and residents of different nationalities attribute this to the social structure that has been

developed. The development of these islands is a prime example of how these islands contribute

to success in many industries. This paper will reflect on my visit to Cayman Islands Turtle

Centre, the Cayman Islands Farmers Market, and Church Visit. This paper will highlight my

learning experience and touch on the organization behavior as it reflects the diversification of

business, cultural and social context of the places visited.

The Cayman Islands Turtle Centre

On November 20, 2017, I visited the Cayman Islands Turtle Centre with my family as I

wanted to have the best of both worlds in that I needed to do my research and also give the

family a treat. This was my second visit to the newly established center, and I was more focused

on observing the diversification of the organization while the children were focused on the fun

activities. As we made our way to the entrance, we were warmly greeted and provided the

center’s brochure guide by Denise Ebanks one of the Tour Guides and my main point of resource

for my reflection paper.

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The Turtle Centre History

The Cayman Islands most massive land-based attraction was founded in 1968 between

private and investor in a joint venture with the Cayman Island Government as a commercial

venture to domesticate the green sea turtle (Ebanks, Denise, Personal Communication,

November 20, 2017). Between 1968 and 1978 the herd of turtles was made up from eggs and

turtles that were collected locally and overseas from Ascension Island, Costa Rica, Guyana and

Suriname. From 1973 to 1980 the matching of mating and hatching in captivity was achieved,

and the Centre then initiated release into the wild program that later paved the way for the

conservation of the other endangered turtle species (Ebanks, Denise, Personal Communication,

November 20, 2017). By 1983 the Cayman Islands Government purchased the center from the

previous owners and incorporated the center as a limited enterprise that is now prized as own of

Cayman’s leading tourist attraction (Ebanks, Denise, Personal Communication, November 20,

2017).

The Turtle Centre Now

Between 2000 and to date the Cayman Turtle Centre undertook a significant expansion

project by creating “Turtle| farm” to the conservational center and developing the 23-acre

property that is utilized for the marine park, aviary, environmental conservation programs

(Ebanks, Denise, Personal Communication, November 20, 2017). These programs have proven

to be a success as there have been releases of the endangered iguanas, pigeon, and green parrots

into the wild. With the expansion, the center was fitted as a park that attracts tourist and locals,

the designs and décor of the park is a mix of modern with traditional Cayman architecture.

Despite its measured success, the Centre has had its share of challenges that range from

threats and damages of storm, funding and international pressures from the special interest

groups. In early 2000 the center was severely damaged due to a hurricane storm that threatens
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the continuance of the operations (Ebanks, Denise, Personal Communication, November 20,

2017). As a result of this the community, the private sector as well as the Cayman Islands

Government joined its efforts in rebuilding and expanding the facility (Ebanks, Denise, Personal

Communication, November 20, 2017). In hindsight, it appears that the natural disaster revealed

that the dated infrastructure with the associated risks is factors that affected this tourist attraction.

With the redevelopment, the center was build up to a world-class facility with contingent

strategies that would address any disaster. The rebuilding of the center was costly however the

benefits or having a local attraction has proven to be a success, and the Centre is now sustainable

as it provides employment opportunities to local with the revenues derived from park entrance

fees and the sale of souvenirs (Ebanks, Denise, Personal Communication, November 20, 2017).

Another challenge faced was from the international community and individuals that

blacklisted the center thereby criticizing the Centre’s efforts of farming and conserving turtles

and aimed to encourage tourist to boycott the center. In response to the international pressures,

the Centre invited research teams and scientist to dispel the negative criticism and press (Ebanks,

Denise, Personal Communication, November 20, 2017). This approach proved to be successful

as it was confirmed that the conservation efforts of the endangered proved to be successful. Since

then the Centre has now concentrated its effort in public awareness and open its doors to

researchers, it also now has a pilot program to encourage young people to the career path of

conservation and marine protection.

The center has had its measure of success as a well as challenges, and throughout its

trajectory, it has added on the value and culture of its operations, and this is attributed to the

efforts of the locals, the Government and the support of the researchers. In light of this, the

mission statement has now been amended to reflect “The Turtle Center to be a Cayman Islands’

premier tourism attraction where visitors and residents enjoy a world-class experience,
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showcasing Caymanian wildlife and heritage while hosting an internationally renowned research

and conservation center for sea turtles” (Cayman Turtle Centre History, 2017). The statement

encompasses the traditional, cultural, and environmentally friendly and business model of the

most extensive land-based attraction that the Cayman Island Offers.

The Farmers Market

On Saturday, December 2, 2017, I made an early morning trip to the local farmers market

that is located across the Cayman Islands Cricket Ground. By way of historical information the

Cayman Islands Farmers Market exist in the eastern district of Savannah, however, the market in

George Town has previously damaged years ago but was never rebuilt until 2015

(CaymanResident, 2017). The rebuilding efforts were attributed to the high demand from the

local community that eventually partnered in with the Cayman Islands to finance and rebuild the

market with the traditional island theme design that provides approximately 20 stalls or bays for

framers, crafters and butchers to sell and market their products (CaymanResident, 2017). The

upkeep of the ground and infrastructure is low cost and self-sustainable from the proceeds paid

for the reservations of stall and bays. Significant efforts were made to build a sound structure in

line with the building codes of the Cayman Islands with that being said the market is equipped

with restrooms that and stand up showers for vendors and clients.

Access to the market is very accommodating as it is open for six days a week and it

provide ample car park. The interior of the market is subdivided with passageways and stalls that

are strategically marked to accommodate movement within the market. As I approached the

market, I experience the culture shock of hearing five different languages being spoken and these

were most noticeable from Phillipinos, Central Americans, Indians and the varying English

language dialect spoken by Caymanians and Jamaicans. The diversification seen speaks to the

Cayman’s diverse population, and despite the many different languages being spoken, they all
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resolved to talk English when enquiring about the products and prices. The common ground

found on communication speaks to the self-concordance contemporary theory of motivation in

that people may have strong views of reasoning for pursuing goals however they often resolve to

the common ground of interest on core values work (Robbins, P & Judge, T. 2016). The market

has now become a landmark that provides individuals the opportunity to gather and socialize

while they bush fresh locally grown produce, Cayman-made arts and crafts fresh juices plus

Caymanian and Caribbean hot meals (CaymanResident, 2017).

Church Visit

On Saturday, November 25, I attended by invitation the Seventh Day Adventist Church

that is located in Savannah, Grand Cayman. It was my first time attending a Seven Day

Adventist Church, and I was amazed at the vast congregation that was made up of different

nationalities, and this was easily understood as the church members all live within the Savannah

which is the fasted developed district within the Island. Upon my arrival to the church their

members that served as reception tasked with changing pleasantries and warm welcomes for

which escorted me to sign into the visitor’s registry greeted me. I was then led to into the church

where they were singing and praising with morning devotion that subsequently led to Sabbath

School lessons that were presented in groups. The Sabbath school lessons were interesting as it

allowed individuals to participate in-group discussions. After the lessons were given, the

announcements and prayer request were communicated. Then a special welcome was extended

to visitors, and it was required that each visitor stand up to be acknowledged. The group lesson

was concluded with an offering collection and ended with a prayer.

The main service was then led with a group that led the congregation to sing from the

church hymns that were projected on the wall, with the deliverance of a song that was made by a

church member and followed with another offering collection made. Afterward, a church
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member made a formal introduction of the Church Pastor Mr. Caple Thompson. The Pastor

delivered his sermon on the life of Job and elaborated on the various stages and circumstances

that Job faced. He indicated that traditionally the story of Job only emphasis of the perseverance

and patience of job and his faith in God. However, he wished to go deeper into the character’s

life by pointing out that before being faithful Job was like many individuals whereby he was

stuck in his selfish wash and did not pay attention to the essential things in life, like obedience to

God and his family. He further articulated that because of this neglect Job fell into despair and

ended up losing his family and his worldly possessions and the only thing that he could hang

unto was the love for God.

The Pastor outlined that as individuals we are experiencing the same pattern as Job did

concerning neglecting our duties to family and God and that this easily understood as many have

become attached to worldly things and more to self (C. Thompson, personal communication,

November 25th, 2017). He further pointed that Job’s suffering, in fact, saved him and God did

not necessarily lead him there, but Job reached that stage because of his own doing. The Pastor

urged the congregation not live a life like Job, as Job needed circumstances to happen to him to

realize that he was wrong (C. Thompson, personal communication, November 25th, 2017). In

closing the pastor urged that we should brace every opportunity to take those steps to be the

persons that we are intended to be in the eyes of God to lead by example in being a better person.

He then wrapped up his sermon with a question asking if you could envision the person that God

intended for you to be, would you be that person that you are now? The sermon was then ended

with a prayer.

The Seventh Day Adventist Church was a pleasant experience as the program and

activities were routinely and timely carried out. I was amazed at how the church member was

using their smartphones and tablets as bibles and hymns; however, I could not help but wonder
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how it would be if the internet connection went out. I wanted to pose this question but thought it

would appear somewhat rude. There was not much that I could have taken away from the Church

service for organization behavior and development apart from the fact that the services were

scheduled and routinely carried out appropriately and the energy between individual’s behavior

in social context with the exchange of pleasantries that speaks to the culture and high

membership morale.

Conclusion

Diversity is a reflection of a changing world and marketplace, and this is evident in the

Cayman Islands, as it has managed to be a premier tourist destination and a leading financial

center. The success of the Cayman Islands is attributed to efforts made by local, citizens and the

Government. These efforts were seen with the development of the Turtle Centre and the Farmers

Market that have proven to be prosperous after the rebuilding exercises. The three places visited

demonstrated team efforts to having a diverse society that has been working towards ongoing

initiatives that aim to deliver on their respective goals.

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Reference

CaymanResident. (2017). Retrieved December 2, 2017, from https://www.turtle.ky/research-

conservation/history-history/

Cayman Turtle Centre History. (2017). Retrieved December 10, 2017, from

https://www.turtle.ky/research-conservation/history-history/

Greenberg, J. (Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges and Solutions. Retrieved

December 10, 2017, from

http://www.multiculturaladvantage.com/recruit/diversity/diversity-in-the-workplace-

benefits-challenges-solutions.asp

Esty, K., R. Griffin, and M. Schorr-Hirsh. 1995. Workplacediversity. A manager’s guide

to solving problems and turningdiversity into a competitive advantage. Avon, MA: Adams

Media Corporation.

Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. (2016). Essentials of organizational behavior. Boston: Pearson.