The document presents a model called CLANS that describes 5 sociological groups that exist in Miami: Cosmopolitans, Latinos, Anglos, Nomads, and Strangers. It provides brief descriptions of each group's demographics, language abilities, education levels, cultural perspectives, and work styles. The author argues that recognizing these differences is important for human resources professionals in Miami when recruiting, assessing contributions, and maximizing diversity within organizations. The ultimate challenge is to communicate, clarify, and focus on shared values while avoiding identification with any single group.

1. Another View of Diversity
in The Independent Republic of Miami
Edmundo Hoffens, February 2016
Disclaimer: These thoughts solely represent the views of the author, and shall never be attributed to his current
role as a Human Resources executive, nor shall they be deemed as an official position of his employer.

2. The C.L.A.N.S. Model
And How to Build Constant Bridges, the
natural challenge for HR Pros.
Another View of Diversity
in The Independent Republic of Miami

3. After almost five years in this market, and eighteen years in the US, I have come to conclude that Diversity has
many angles. Yes, in addition to the classic views, I believe there’s something special in this area of the country,
which I call The Independent Republic of Miami.
In this Market, I believe that there co-exist five distinct sociological groups:
• The Cosmopolitans
• The Latinos
• The Anglos
• The Nomads
• The Strangers
And hence, the acronym for today is CLANS!!
This is NOT intended as a definite academic position, nor a model or anything else like that. It is only intended
to spark a good conversation!
A description of these groups is offered on the next slides.
Another View of Diversity
in The Independent Republic of Miami

4. C
L
AN
S
HR
Another View of Diversity
in The Independent Republic of Miami

5. Another View of Diversity
in The Independent Republic of Miami
C
L
A
N
S
Cosmopolitans
• About 10% of the population
Latinos
• About 50% of the population
Anglos
• About 25% of the population
Nomads
• About 10% of the population
Strangers
• About 5% of the population

6. Another View of Diversity
in The Independent Republic of Miami
C Cosmopolitans
• Speak two or more languages fluently.
• Have lived in at least two countries.
• Hold degrees from both foreign and American universities.
• Are liberal, and embrace change and difference fairly constantly.
• Have worked for both large and small corporations, many a time Fortune 500.
• Tend to have more of a global perspective, based on their diverse experiences.
• Are opinionated.
• Run the risk of feeling they are “better” than others, a bit stand-offish.
• High self-esteem, high drive.
• Accustomed to pay-for-performance cultures.
• Aggressive, disciplined, goal getters.
• Have changed jobs many times and don’t mind more changes, as long as it is upward!.
• Career advancement is key; they get bored quickly unless challenged.

7. Another View of Diversity
in The Independent Republic of Miami
L Latinos
• Speak Spanish –with an accent-- at home and English elsewhere.
• Were born in the US or came here when they were minors.
• Hold degrees from local universities.
• Are likely the first generation in their family to go to college.
• Are conservative, and face some difficulty embracing change.
• Have worked for small local companies, many a time family owned.
• Possess an identity issue: who am I? Note: this could be a booster or a hindrance.
• Tend to follow someone else’s lead.
• Appear very respectful of tradition and hierarchy; not rebellious and rather conforming.
• Not the classic corporate employee; it’s all about WIIFM. Not sure about moving jobs, unless more
money is involved.
• Not Accustomed to pay-for-performance cultures.
• Friendly, hard-working.
• Reward-centric versus Career-centric.

8. Another View of Diversity
in The Independent Republic of Miami
A Anglos
• Speak English only.
• Were born in Miami-Dade and were raised here or within the State of Florida.
• Realize that the area has become “Latinized” dramatically in the last forty years; while they don’t
complain, they feel the pain of being seen as foreigners.
• Hold degrees from local or national universities.
• Are conservative, and face difficulty embracing change.
• Highly educated and cultured; have travelled overseas extensively.
• Not accustomed to pay-for-performance cultures.
• Tend to be fixated about process; have been “doing it like that” forever.
• Family oriented, reserved, not necessarily overly friendly beyond excellent manners at work.
• Reliable, disciplined, honest.
• Avoid conflict.

9. Another View of Diversity
in The Independent Republic of Miami
N Nomads
• These are folks who were born and raised in another State of the Union, and moved to Miami for
work.
• Speak English only.
• Are amused by the huge diversity of cultures in Miami. They open their eyes and ears and observe!.
• Hold degrees from local or national universities.
• Are middle-of-the-road politically, and appreciate embracing change when it affects their lives.
• Flexible and open-minded.
• Family oriented, reserved, not necessarily overly friendly beyond excellent manners at work.
• Reliable, disciplined, honest.
• Avoid conflict and discussion that involve the diverse cultures of Miami.
• Would consider moving yet once more to a different State in the Union.
• Have rarely travelled overseas.

10. Another View of Diversity
in The Independent Republic of Miami
S Strangers
• The word refers to foreigners living in Miami.
• These are folks who were born and raised in a foreign country, and have relocated to the US in
leadership positions.
• Most of the time they are ex-patriates.
• Speak their home-country language and English.
• While they live in the US, they only celebrate the traditions and customs of their country of origin. This
affects their daily life (lunch and dinner times, for example) as well as national Holidays.
• Hold degrees from foreign universities, normally Top Schools.
• Do not participate or opine on national or local politics.
• Do not worry about embracing change; they drive it if needed.
• Family oriented, reserved, not necessarily overly friendly beyond excellent manners at work.
• Reliable, disciplined, honest.
• They tend to live in closed communities, surrounded by foreign nationals of their same country of
origin.

11. Another View of Diversity
in The Independent Republic of Miami
The ultimate – and superbly rewarding –
Challenge for Human Resources Pros
• None of these groups is better than the other.
• When recruiting, be conscious of this.
• When assessing their contribution to your business, make sure you see the differences in style and
background. Ultimately, always focus on the value they bring to the table.
• Foreign-owned firms tend to be ruled by S’s. Learn!
• There may be at least a level of suspicion among these groups: address it point-blank.
• Over-communicate, clarify, and always MAXIMIZE the benefits of having all these groups co-mingling.
• Focus on what’s important to your business from a Values point of view. All humans are capable of
sharing a set of solid values!
• Never –I repeat, NEVER – identify yourself with any of these groups. As an HR leader, you’re over the
fray.
• Listen, listen, and listen some more…you will learn a lot!