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Impact of diversity in the workplace
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Diversity in the Workplace Introduction / What Is Diversity? Diversity is defined as “people from differing age groups, genders, ethnic and racial backgrounds, cultural and national origins, and mental and physical capabilities.” (Plunkett, Allen, Attner, 2013). The importance of diversity, advantages and disadvantages/problems that arise in the workforce will be discussed, as well as the key tools and strategies supervisors need to know about managing diversity in the workplace. Importance of Diversity in the Economy Diversity in the workplace is very important in today’s global workforce because workers in the economy all over the world are currently made up of many different ethnicities, varied cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. People that are involved in management such as managers, and supervisors could greatly benefit from being accustomed to diversity in the workplace because their job entails dealing with a multicultural work environment on a daily basis. Knowing how to handle diversity in the workforce and having the necessary skills for supervisors would be beneficial not only to them but also to the success of the company and economy because a strong, diversified workforce will create a more “creative, innovative, and productive workforce.” (Kerby, 2012). Another reason why diversity is important is because recent studies from the U.S. Department of Labor shows data that America’s population will be drastically different in the future because of the rapid growth of different minority groups such as African Americans, Hispanics, Asian and Pacific Islanders in the country. According to Plunkett, Allen, and Attner, the data also stated that the population of Caucasians will gradually be declining too. Aside from the ... ... middle of paper ... ...here they stand at all times and offer training to those in need. Laws There are federal laws that prevent discrimination in the workplace which is what the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is for. They “enforce antidiscrimination laws, and protect individuals and groups from discrimination.” (Plunkett, Allen, Attner). Some of the important laws are the Equal Pay Act, American with Disabilities Act, Title VII 1964 Civil Rights Act and many more. These laws clearly state the provisions that employers must always follow in the workplace. Conclusion The majority of the global economy workforce today is very diverse that include people from multiple nationalities and different backgrounds. In order for businesses to stay competitive in the market, they need to adapt to those changes so their company can continue to grow, prosper and attain success.
The real definition of diversity includes different elements of the identity and culture of each person. Diversity involves cultural differences, such as origins, religious or political affiliation, race, and gender, and other more profound differences, such as experiences and personality. As Banks argues in her research, the real definition involves several elements of our identity (149). Therefore, the way in which we define and conceptualize diversity affects the way in which we interact with people of others culture, race, and affiliations.
Being successful at managing workforce diversity involves attracting and retaining the highest quality individuals in the talent pool. For managers it means learning how to manage human potential sensitively. It requires an ever-increasing awareness of how people from different backgrounds deal with authority, communication, overall business etiquette, and relate to their communities of affiliation. Successful management of workforce diversity is a process that takes place in many stages and on many levels. It requires managers to first recruit a competent and qualified staff, then to accommodate individual needs within the context of the work team and the organization.
It helps to promote the organization which leads the company in the direction of becoming an international force to be reckoned with. When diversity is embraced in an organization, it grows the global portfolio and provides employers and employees with multiple options. It helps a person learn to be flexible and to overcome obstacles that get in their way. We all know that the world is diverse with many different cultures, genders, religions, and ethnicities. However, implementation of diversity is imperative within an organization because it allows access to a larger pool of complex ideas. As demographics shift globally, diversity is a necessity that organizations need to embrace in order to show their commitment to being open to change. Diversity in the workplace is important for the organization and the employee because it allows the organization to flourish through outreach and recruiting efforts.
Diversity is the key to growth in today’s aggressively competitive global marketplace. Leaders can no longer hide behind their lack of cultural intelligence, but embrace diversity. To enjoy its benefits. Cultural diversity refers to the varieties of human cultures and the cultural difference that exist in the organization, society or the world as a whole (Amadeo, K., 2014). The characteristics of diversity include race, language, ethnicity, religion, value system, education, nationality, social structure, beliefs, sex, and physical appearances. Cultural diversity is increasingly growing in the United State workforce. A report shows a projection of decline in white working age from 83 percent to 63 percent and an increase in the minority group from 18 percent to 37 percent by 2020 (NCPPHD, 2005). The cultural diversity has contributed substantially to the social and economic growth of the country. Leaders in an organization should not ignore the substantial benefits of cultural diversity in the workplace, but maintained and value it to increase the organization’s reputation and productivity.
Gender, racial, and ethnic diversity means different things to different people. Some believe that diversity is about quotas, and affirmative action. Others believe that diversity is something that will happen on its own with out intervention. Some experts who study diversity, however, believe that diversity is not something that should be left up to chance. It is important, therefore, for organizations to take action to encourage and foster diversity in the workplace (Clarke, 1995, p. 13).
Awareness of workforce diversity has been growing since the late 1980's, when the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Hudson Institute published "Workforce 2000." The report predicted major shortages of labor due to a drop in the nation's birth rate during the 1960's and 70's. Because the drop in birth rate was most profound among native-born Caucasian Americans, the report predicts a major shift in the demographics of the U.S. work force. White females, minorities and immigrants will comprise 85% of those entering the work force in the year 2000. This shift will change not just employment, but also benefits, advancement and other aspects of working in America.
Within an organization, diversity is considered a having a population of people that are of different races or cultures working collectively. From this collection of people, a variance of perspective is formed and talent is fostered in order to maximize performance. These great minds work
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.
There are many different forms of diversity that effect human behavior and the culture of companies. These many different values, skills and abilities, ages, and occupations will be a challenge for managers today to find creative new ways to incorporate each individual’s ideas into their business and to create a productive culture that values every form of diversity.
Diversity is what makes people different, not just culturally but in human differences. Having a multitude of differences in the workforce gives an organization the ability to use many ideas to reach a common goal. A person could say that a diverse group of people together in one room can accomplish greater achievements than a room filled with the same types of individuals. Managers understand the concept of diversity, and how important diversity is to the success of a company’s ability to implement programs that continue to develop a harmonious and diverse workplace. The recognition that diversity is a reality in the workforce has generated an enormous amount of activity over the years among leaders in business, government, and civil society alike (Thomas Kochan, 2003, p. 4).
Barak, M. E. (2005). Managing diversity: toward a globally inclusive workplace. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.
The importance of diversity is that it allows an organization to get access to broader range of opinions and viewpoints as well as, to obtain the best talent or skill in a competitive environment(Meeting The Challenge of Diversity, 2005). Diversity in the workforce can also be used as a business communication strategy and as a marketing strategy in line with increasingly diverse customer, vendors and partner. According to McInnes (2013), workforce diversity is also important to demonstrate organization’s social responsibility or as a legal requirement.
The impact of diversity in the workplace is contingent upon several factors. Across companies diversified workforces are becoming increasingly common. To successfully manage a diverse workforce, organizations are ensuring that employees understand how their values and stereotypes influence their behavior toward others of different gender, ethnic, racial, or religious backgrounds; are gaining an appreciation of cultural differences among themselves; and behaviors that isolate or intimidate minorities are being improved (Noe et al., 2010, pg. 302).
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.
The classic concept, ‘Unity In Diversity’ has been working profoundly for the formation of nations and societies from the time immemorial. But, the power of diversity is not restricted to building social groups; it is equally disruptive in creating powerful teams in the workplace. Cultural diversity in the workplace is always considered beneficial for the organization because it encompasses a bevy of creative ideas, interests, skills, and approaches. But, it is a boon to an organization only if the top management realizes its importance and HR department possesses skills to manage the workplace diversity. Diversity should be taken as variety rather than difference because plurality in terms of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, race, education, cognitive style and personality helps produce synergy in the team’s efforts and enhance the overall productivity of an organization.