Diversity, inclusion and teamworking

Question 1

Tell me about an example of where you have worked well in a team.

Answer 1

I worked in a team on a lease renewal project, coordinating with surveyors, legal advisors, and property managers. Success was achieved by clear communication and defined responsibilities, securing a favourable outcome for the client.

Question 2

How could you have improved your role within the team?

Answer 2

Delegating tasks more effectively to balance workload and providing earlier updates to anticipate issues.

Question 3

What is a common issue you have come across when working in a team?

Answer 3

Miscommunication leading to delays.

Solution: Regular progress meetings and written action points.

Question 4

Why is diversity and inclusivity valuable to businesses/teams?

Answer 4

Improves innovation, decision-making, and problem-solving. Enhances employee engagement and reputation.

Question 5

What are the differences between diversity and inclusion?

Answer 5

Diversity: Representation of different backgrounds and characteristics. Inclusion: Ensuring all individuals feel valued and empowered.

Question 6

What does inclusive communication include?

Answer 6

Clear, jargon-free language, multiple formats (e.g., written, verbal, visual), active listening and feedback mechanisms.

Question 7

What is partnering and collaborative working?

Answer 7

A cooperative approach in projects to enhance efficiency, trust, and shared goals.

Question 8

What is unconscious bias and how can you reduce it?

Answer 8

Subconscious preferences that affect decision-making. Reduced through awareness training and structured decision-making processes.

Question 9

What policies does your company have and how do you comply with them?

Answer 9

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Policy – Complied with through fair hiring, inclusive training, and workplace adjustments.

Question 10

What is a RACI matrix?

Answer 10

A tool assigning Roles, Accountability, Consultation, and Information-sharing in teams.

Question 11

What is a strategic alliance?

Answer 11

A long-term partnership between firms for mutual business benefits.

Question 12

Explain your understanding of supply chain management.

Answer 12

The coordination of suppliers and contractors to ensure efficiency and quality in project delivery.

Question 13

What legislation relates to selecting a project team?

Answer 13

Equality Act 2010 (non-discrimination in hiring) and Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (procurement fairness).

Question 14

Why is accountability and responsibility important when working in a team?

Answer 14

Ensures tasks are completed effectively and avoids duplication or gaps in work.

Question 15

Explain Tuckman’s theory in relation to teamwork.

Answer 15

1. Forming – Team comes together. 2. Storming – Conflicts arise. 3. Norming – Team aligns. 4. Performing – High productivity. 5. Adjourning – Team disbands after goal completion.

Question 16

Explain Belbin team roles.

Answer 16

Identifies nine team roles (e.g., Leader, Implementer, Specialist) to balance strengths and weaknesses.

Question 17

Explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Answer 17

A motivational theory outlining five levels: 1. Physiological (basic needs). 2. Safety (security, employment). 3. Belonging (relationships, teamwork). 4. Esteem (recognition). 5. Self-actualisation (personal growth).

Question 18

Explain how the RICS Rules of Conduct relate to inclusion and diversity.

Answer 18

Require members to treat others with respect and promote equality and inclusion.

Question 19

Which ISO relates to inclusion and diversity?

Answer 19

ISO 30415 – Diversity and Inclusion Management.

Question 20

What is Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE)?

Answer 20

A global certification for workplace gender equality.

Question 21

What is neurodiversity?

Answer 21

Recognising cognitive differences (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia) as part of workplace diversity.

Question 22

How and why should neurodiversity be accommodated in the workplace?

Answer 22

Creates a more inclusive environment and harnesses diverse skills. Accommodations include flexible workspaces, clear communication, and assistive technology.

Question 23

What does PAS 6463:2022 relate to?

Answer 23

Designing for neurodiversity in the built environment.

Question 24

Explain the aims of the Memorandum of Understanding: Creating a More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Built Environment Sector.

Answer 24

Aims to promote diversity and inclusion across the property industry.

Question 25

Who are some of the parties to this Memorandum of Understanding?

Answer 25

RICS, RTPI, CIOB, RIBA, and ICE.

Question 26

What is the impact of the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023?

Answer 26

Strengthens employer responsibilities in preventing workplace harassment.

Question 27

What can you tell me about the RICS Disability Inclusion Framework?

Answer 27

A guidance document for improving disability inclusion in the profession.

Question 28

What are reasonable adjustments?

Answer 28

Workplace modifications that ensure employees with disabilities are not disadvantaged.

Question 29

How can reasonable adjustments be incorporated into the workplace?

Answer 29

Adjustable desks, assistive software, flexible working hours.

Question 30

What is a Health Adjustment Passport?

Answer 30

A UK Government tool to help disabled employees document and communicate workplace adjustments.

Question 31

What are some types of teams?

Answer 31

Office teams, Project teams, Accounts teams, Design teams.

Question 32

What is the Tuckman theory?

Answer 32

Bruce Tuckman's theory focuses on how a team approaches a task and includes 5 phases: 1. Forming – assembly of a team and planning, collating information and bonding. 2. Storming – address task by suggesting ideas and strong facilitative leadership is crucial. 3. Norming – agreeing rules and values of operation. 4. Performing – identified by high levels of independence, motivation, knowledge, and collaborative decision making. 5. Adjourning/transforming – end of the project and breakup of the team, can return to any phase, typically forming.

Question 33

What is the Herzberg theory?

Answer 33

Frederick Herzberg’s theory is a two-factor motivational theory based on hygiene and motivational factors. Workers are encouraged to work harder based on motivational factors such as empowerment, job enlargement, and job enrichment. Workers can become de-motivated if hygiene factors are not met such as remuneration, comfortable working conditions, and annual leave entitlement.

Question 34

What is workplace diversity?

Answer 34

Diversity in the workplace relates to the acceptance and inclusion of employees of all backgrounds. Ensuring diversity in the workplace is an important asset of an organisation as it acknowledges the individual strengths of each employee and the potential they bring.

Question 35

What are some advantages of a diverse team?

Answer 35

Increased productivity, Increased creativity, Improved cultural awareness, A positive reputation.

Question 36

What are inclusive environments?

Answer 36

A culturally inclusive environment requires mutual respect, effective relationships, clear communication, understanding of expectations, and critical self-reflection. Within an inclusive environment, people of all cultural orientations can freely express who they are, their own opinions, and points of view.

Question 37

Why are inclusive environments important?

Answer 37

According to Deloitte, a growing body of research indicates that diverse and inclusive teams outperform their peers. A diverse team will generate up to 30% higher revenue per employee.

Question 38

What legislation or regulations relate to inclusive environments?

Answer 38

Equality Act 2010, The Human Rights Act 1998.

Question 39

Please explain your understanding of inclusion within the workplace?

Answer 39

Inclusion within the workplace is creating an environment and culture where all company employees feel like they belong in the organisation. This results in every employee being comfortable to voice their opinions and that no one person feels excluded on the basis of their identity.

Question 40

What is meant by the term unconscious bias?

Answer 40

Unconscious bias refers to the associations and assumptions that a person may have about someone solely because of their race, gender, or disability. These judgements are made without conscious awareness and are a major contributor to a lack of workplace diversity.