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Review of related literature about cultural diversity
Review of related literature about cultural diversity
introduction on culture and diversity
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If I had been asked to define diversity 10 years ago, I would have defined it simply as being different; specifically, of different race, gender and age. These beliefs are similar to the primary dimensions of Marilyn Loden’s Diversity Wheel (Canas & Sondak, 2014). I have viewed diversity primarily in context to my existence in the world around me and Loden’s primary dimensions most closely describe what I thought of when I heard the term diversity. Thankfully, I have grown more in the past 10 years and would now define diversity not just as Loden’s primary dimensions but would say that diversity is an acceptance of the differences between people and these differences permeate all areas of life. My mental model is now more along the lines of the Four Layers of Diversity as presented by Anita Rowe and Lee Gardenswartz (Canas & Sondak, 2014). This definition is more inclusive of different types of diversity, especially in ways that are not as visible. I feel that society as a whole is becoming more tolerant of racial diversity and we are now moving to a point of greater acceptance of all types of diversity, but we still have a long way to go. I am African-American and German and I was adopted at nine months by a Caucasian couple of German descent. I grew up in the 80s and 90s as the only black kid in my neighborhood and regardless of the racial make-up of my classes, I never quite fit in. Everywhere I looked were white faces looking back at me and I was different. My differences defined me. I had “untamed” hair, olive skin, brown eyes, and had a love for African music and soul food and white parents. I was vastly different from others in the blonde hair, blue eye, pale skinned world in which I lived. I moved to the beat of my own... ... middle of paper ... ... global sense of diversity yet and that I need to work more to understand other forms of diversity better. I believe I am on the right path but I have a lot of work to do to make this paradigm of thought my reality. Works Cited Canas, K. A., & Sondak, H. (2014). Opportunities and challenges of workplace diversity: Theory, cases and exercises (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Rucker, W. (2002, Fall/Winter). ‘A Negro Nation Within the Nation’: W.E.B. DuBois and the Creation of a Revolutionary Pan-Africanist Tradition, 1903-1947. Black Scholar, 32(3/4), 37. Retrieved from https://eds-b-ebscohost-com.csuglobal.idm.oclc.org/ehost Sammaritino, A., O’Flynn, J., & Nicholas, S. (2002). Managing diverse work teams: A business model for diversity management. Retrieved from Diversity Management website: www.diversity-management.cz/tiki-download_file.php?fileId=18
Cañas, K. A. & Sondak, H. (2011). Opportunities and challenged for workplace diversity: Theory, cases, and exercises. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Before watching the video, the sentence “Diversity is upside down” gave me a feeling that there was something wrong with diversity. Now, after watching it, I agree with Andres Tapia when he states that the world overall is upside down. In addition, I also agree with the three practices that Andres Tapia shares to us about how to thrive in upside down next generation diversity. These practices are, first, diversity and inclusion are different. Second, think about diversity in a multidimensional way. Third, inclusion is a skill, not an attitude. Before going further into these practices, I want to state my own definition of diversity. Diversity is variety, acceptance, knowledge, and respect. It is to be different, but similar to others. It is to enjoy different things, such as new languages and new customs. Finally, it is to understand how to adapt and evolve.
Diversity has many definitions but only one true meaning. This concept Analysis is dedicated to exploring the broadened sense of diversity through active concepts with respect to term usage, and current literature research to support the understanding and relevance of the term itself.
Cañas, K. A., & Sondak, H. (2014). Opportunities and challenges of workplace diversity: Theory, cases, and exercises (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
“Diversity is characteristics of individuals that shape their identities and the experience they have in society” (Certo, 2010, p.117)
Gardenswartz, Lee, and Rowe, Anita, Diverse Teams At Work, Capitalizing on the Power of Diversity. Irwin Professional Publishing 1994.
Diversity refers to the ways people differ from each other. These ways are significant and plentiful. Culturally, people vary in gender, age, ethnicity, race sexual orientation, educational background, religion, lifestyle, as well as veteran and/or immigrant status. Functionally, people vary in the ways we think, learn, process information, respond to authority, show respect and reach agreements (Pollar & Gonzalez, 2011.)
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.
19. Wilkinson, Brad (1999, October) Managing diversity: Buzz word or business strategy? HR Atlanta, 8.
Barak, M. E. (2005). Managing diversity: toward a globally inclusive workplace. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.
Diversity is a notion, when applied to the majority of circumstances, can create a positive conclusion. The trick to producing a positive outcome is often how the different aspects are brought together. Consider a classic dinner combination peas and carrots, the two colors look appealing and the two flavors comes together as one making a superb side dish. Now consider oil and water, these two substance are not often considered a good combination. Although, this is not always the case; olive oil and vinegar (which is water based) when mixed, come together into a delectable salad dressing. Diversity and inclusion should also apply to humans by bringing people together who are different it can creates a whole that is enhanced by the uniqueness of each individual.
Traditionally, diversity refers to an assortment of races, ethnicities, genders, ages, disabilities and perhaps sexual orientations. A definition of diversity, however, should not be constrained by traditional categories such as these. Such a definition should also include categories such as religion, educational level, life experience, geographic location, socio-economic background, marital status and work experience. Indeed, each person employed by a company possesses unique qualities that encompass many factors.
When most people think “Diversity” they think of the most communal characteristics: such as: Age, race, gender, sexual orientation, body type, ethnicity, and a person’s
The researcher believes, in this fast-changing era, any kind of company or organization should be able to improve the quality of workplace diversity by having some important main factor to boost the new paradigm of a diverse workplace, such as:
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.