Articles

Policy

The general guidelines of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy.

 

Introduction

At Human Factors, we are deeply committed to prioritizing human aspects in all our business practices. Our approach aims to unlock individual potential, enhance team performance, and create wealth in its broadest sense. Our flagship product, "Diversity Icebreaker", is central to this vision.

 

 

Diversity Icebreaker: Building Trust and Positive Identity

"Diversity Icebreaker" has proven to be a powerful tool in fostering trust, positivity, and constructive identity development. The concept encourages the integration of diverse individuals, nurtures the willingness to express different viewpoints, and contributes to improved problem-solving and execution.

 

 

Global Challenges and Our Contributions

"Diversity Icebreaker" is valuable in addressing some of the world's major challenges. Recognizing that certain organizations and initiatives may lack funds for our materials or services, we offer support through pro bono activities and reduced material costs.

 

 

Focused Areas of Contribution

 

Peace Development in Conflict-Affected Areas

Bjørn Z. Ekelund has made ten trips to the Middle East since 2010. Through his Diversity Icebreaker trainings, he has played a significant role in various contexts to enhance capabilities for peace promotion and civil society development. For further details, please reach out to bze@human-factors.no

 

 

Refugee and Integration Challenges in Immigration

The integration of refugees and immigrants is a growing global concern. "Diversity Icebreaker" has been instrumental in cross-cultural community development since 1999. Drawing on our extensive experience in intercultural communication, we believe in its potential to make significant contributions in this area. Our presentation “Reframing Others in Colours of Mastery,” delivered at the 24th Nordic Intercultural Communication conference, provides an overview of our work to date. Download the  PPT presentation (12 MB) 

 

We aspire to expand our efforts in this domain. Occasionally, these initiatives are eligible for CSR promotion, stemming from our direct contributions. We maintain a network of consultants and academics whose work towards a better world we support. Ivana B. Petrovic, based in Belgrade, has utilized the Diversity Icebreaker approach for several years in training Red Cross volunteers across Europe and Serbia. In 2022, she published an article reflecting on her work during the 2016 migration crisis in Serbia.”

 

 

Climate Crisis and Ecological Balance

Our communication preferences, Red, Blue, and Green, were first applied in 1995 in a large-scale energy conservation campaign. Since then, "Diversity Icebreaker" has been used in various contexts like Master's programs in agro-ecology, European research on climate effects, and trust-building in large-scale windmill projects. We've been collaborating with the UNFCCC (The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) since 2022, applying "Diversity Icebreaker" in diversity management, trust-building, and promoting agility.

 

Doing good

We donate DI-questionnaires and support for selected charitable projects for those who cannot purchase our tool. Inquire and apply here!” 

We want to contribute to a better world and donate Diversity Icebreaker free of charge, including support (train-the-trainer) to selected projects.


 

Who can apply? Organisations, institutions and consultants without the financial possibility to buy the tool and who do not work for profit. 

 

Diversity Icebreaker is a quality research-based HR tool, available in 17 languages. It is used by approx. 35-40.000 people every year helping to improve communication and collaboration across differences. 

 

 

Application ideas

 

  • If your work revolves around diversity and involves vulnerable social groups, DI can provide a safe starting point for conversations about difficult topics, voicing and including different perspectives.
  • If your project involves volunteers, DI can be used for teambuilding and promote community. It can also be used in communication training helping them to better approach people they help.
  • If you work with mediating or conflict resolution, DI can provide a boost in trust and psychological safety early on in the process.

 

 

How to apply?

Send a description of your project to doinggood@human-factors.no. Tell us why it is not possible to purchase the tool and how you intend to use it.

All applications will be reviewed confidentially.