Diversity is defined as race, gender, age, language, physical characteristics, disability, sexual orientation, economic status, parental status, education, geographic origin, profession, life-style, religion, personality, position in the company hierarchy and any other difference[3]. In other words, diversity refers to ...
Having diversity in the workplace allows for greater growth within a company due to the different opinions and perspectives of people from all walks of life. To remain competitive, many companies are being advised to recruit, develop and retain men and women of all different backgrounds, ages and races (Cox and Blake, 1991). By doing this and also accommodating the needs of their demographically diverse workforce, companies will become much more appealing places to work therefore reducing turnover and absentee
Diversity in the workplace has been a hot topic around organizations in the United States for several years. Diversity is the state of employing a staff of people that are different within the same organization. It includes, but is not limited to age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and even education (Nixon & West, 2000). Many organizations participate in diversity programs to ensure that all employees felt like they are part of the team not discriminated against. Research shows that having a diverse work environment improves profitability, employee performance, and better customer service.
Workplace diversity is having different people of different cultures, different languages, nationalities, and races, all working in an organization. When there is workplace diversity people are able to handle different types of situations because they probably handled a certain problem before so many times from where they come from. Throughout the years businesses have adapted to having more diversity in the workplace because of the benefits it offers. Workplace diversity helps organizations be productive, it builds a strong economy, and brings greater innovation, and moreover it leads to an organization making a profit.
One of the best definitions for diversity I have come across says, “Diversity is the mosaic of people who bring a variety of backgrounds, styles, perspectives, values, and beliefs as assets to the groups and organizations with which they interact ” (Rasmussen, 1996, p. 274). This definition has three noteworthy points. First, it describes diversity as a mosaic, which is different form the traditional label of a melting pot. A mosaic enables people to retain their individuality while contributing collectively to the bigger picture. Second, this definition of diversity applies to and includes everyone; it does not rule out anyone. According to this definition, we are all diverse. Finally, this definition describes diversity as an asset, as something desirable and beneficial! When viewed from this perspective valuing diversity is openness, fun, and can even be a cause for celebrating in discovering how we can join together to create more as a united team than any one of us can on our own. It is vital to business survival that the workplaces strive to attain this ideal collaboration.
Organizational Diversity represents the differences amongst people that are likely to affect their acceptance, work performance, satisfaction, or progress within the organization. It shows the ins and outs of an organization as well as how having a diverse workplace will benefit your company through several factors and perceptions of many different people.However, there are two different types of diversity, the first being Surface-Level diversity which deals with the observable attributes such as race, ethnicity, sex, age etc. The next type is the Deep-Level diversity which deals with the attributes that aren’t as openly visible but can be inferred after experience, like certain attitudes, beliefs, values, and or personalities. It is so important
Workplace diversity is one of the most key elements that any business and corporation must have and utilize. The numerous types of workplace diversity are what make us function so well both as a society and as effective businesses. The purpose to having a diverse workplace is to expand the knowledge and experience of all that are within that company. These diversity aspects are what make a successful and highly functioning work environment. Diverse workplace is critical because it embodies a compilation of all human ideas, cultures and backgrounds put into an inventive and forward thinking group of individuals. Managing individuals are looking for an A-team group type atmosphere that will be highly functioning with inventive ideas and able to apply all sorts of ideals garnered from there co-workers because of the diversity.
In spite of the view as espoused by the scholars above, diversity can be managed properly to achieve the intended benefits. The concept of concept of diversity management is clear and unambiguous in definition and it is often interchanged with the term managing diversity. The concept was first introduced in the United States in the 1980s. RR Thomas wrote in 1991: ‘Managing diversity is an idea whose time has come. The majority of corporations and organizations are becoming conscious of the fact that a diverse workforce is not a burden, but rather their greatest potential strength; when managed properly’ (Thomas 1991, viii). According to McCuiston et al. (2004), for example, proper implementation of policies to promote workplace diversity can result in an improved bottom line; increased competitive advantage; superior business performance; higher levels of employee satisfaction and loyalty; a strengthened relationship with multicultural communities, and attracting the best and the brightest candidates. Indeed, contemporary scholars concur: having and making use of a diverse workforce is beneficial to organisations (Stewart and Brown, 2010; Ivancevich and Konopaske, 2012; Dessler, 2013; Mathis et al., 2013; Mondy and Mondy, 2014; Noe et al.,
Having diverse generations in the workplace have pros and cons like any other diversity in the workplace. “While research on generational diversity is not new, there has never been a time in history when four generations were in the workplace at one time. This offers both challenges and opportunities for managers and businesses” (Lewis & Wescott, 2017, p. 2).
I was climbing up the stairs when I saw her outside her door, always kind, delicate, looking great.
With the increase in globalization, interactions and communication among workplace employees requires diverse backgrounds, cultures and beliefs to coexist. Humans now work in an isolated workplace; we are a part of an economy with worldwide competition generating from all corners of the world. Diversity is needed within profit and nonprofit companies in order to be more effective; these companies must welcome change and adjustments. Diverse employees and environments will help companies to become more creative and successful. Workplace diversity has become an important issue for management nowadays in an attempt expands the workplace structure.
Barak, M. E. (2005). Managing diversity: toward a globally inclusive workplace. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.
The Challenges of Managing Diversity in the Workplace In Today’s highly competitive and dynamic market place, it has become extremely important for companies to use diversity in the work place for their competitive edge and strategic advantage. Workplace diversity is great people factor that accommodates the similarities and people bring to a company. In the past few years, there is no organizational issue that has attracted this great attention as workplace diversity. This is a result of the fact that the U.S labor force will experience a profound change in its composition within the next decade.
In the workplace, it is common to encounter individuals of different cultures, ethnicities, and genders. This diversity can either lead to an introduction of new work methods, or it can lead to conflict between coworkers. In order to avoid conflict, and have all employees work as a cohesive team, managers must educate themselves, and their employees on the topic of cultural diversity. In order for your practices to be considered effective, you must not only respect and recognize an employee’s diversity, you must use their difference to benefit them.
Diversity is all around us and how organizations deal with the notion of diversity can be complex and quite diverse. We know that being diverse in the workplace is important to the organization's success, should be recognized, accepted, and embraced. It’s how the organizations live up to what they believe in and must go above and beyond legal compliance and requirements to promoting diversity and inclusion. Otherwise, employees may view the organization's vision and policies as lip service and only be tolerant of diversity because the organization said so.