Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Importance of managing diversity in a workplace
Importance of managing diversity in a workplace
Essays on diversity within an organization
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: Importance of managing diversity in a workplace
What is Diversity Training
Diversity Training are activities that promote awareness and knowledge and builds the skills necessary for operating in a multicultural, global environment, is a form of diversity education. Diversity training is provided in all businesses but sometimes is considered counterproductive. The efficiency of such programs depends on the individual learning about it, the length, self-motivation, etc. Diversity training is a program that is directed towards an organizations core values and priorities which helps gaining talented individuals, growing management, and improving customer service (Bucher, pg. 50).
There are many challenges of having a diversity conscious work force and all entities have started implementing
…show more content…
First, I will discuss a negative effect of training, one of them is focusing on cosmetic changes, such as projecting a certain image to improve public relations. A counter-positive approach is having a company focus on practical changes for employees and organizations as whole. When trainers utilize abstract approaches, and train every group using the same program studies show that it won’t be as effective. The correct approach would be having the trainers utilize a range of approaches and materials customized for each department. When organizations use diversity training to minimize the risk of lawsuits they get away from the true value of the training, instead it should be used to motivate employees to focus on the organizational goals and priorities (Bucher, pg. …show more content…
It provides individuals to have diverse work environments to be more effective with their customer base. A workplace and life without diversity would have everyone looking the same from hair, eyes, face, clothes, etc. Learning more and accepting diversity will improve a team’s interpersonal communication and opportunities. The workforce has changed dramatically since this training has been introduced into organizations and now more women are in the work force, including more immigrants and an increase in racial diversity (Bucher, pg. 51).
There should be specific goals to diversity training that have employees understand challenges and benefits revolving around diversity to organizational values. Diversity has been very effective to the economy and workplace by being able to interact with a diverse customer base. It benefits the organizations by able to do business with people globally and change in labor markets. Diversity training programs key benefits are that it allows team members to let their guard down to develop healthy business relationships. It also produces happier well-rounded employees which increase productivity (Bucher, pg.
...ounds bring different talents and suggestions to problems. If the workplace is not diverse, problem-solving could be more challenging. Broader service range is also a benefit from diversity in the workplace. Having employees with diverse skills and experiences, such as speaking different languages and understanding other cultures, allows companies to provide services to customers all over the world.
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.
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
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.
... cultural and personal differences among the people who work there and the customers who do business there (Williams, 2014.) This statement alone is representative of the majority of businesses operating today. With that in mind, organizations should welcome and encourage the benefits of diversity because not only is it the legal thing to do, it is also the ethical thing to do.
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).
In summary, most workplaces are becoming increasingly diverse as people from different genders, races, cultures, ethnic origins, and lifestyles find themselves working together. The key to making diversity work is management. Knowing what they are and understanding what effects (positive or negative) they have on the organization is very important to the success of the company.
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.
Pros Diversity awareness training makes people more mindful of their thoughts and actions and therefore reduces biases against certain groups of people. It can dispel myths about individuals from different cultural and demographic groups (McShane & Von Glinow, p.83). Cons Reliance on stereotypes is not necessarily reduced when teaching people to rebuff inaccurate stereotypes. Also, if a person has strongly built up stereotypes against a group of people this awareness training may not work (McShane & Von Glinow, p.83). Meaningful Interactions Rochelle and Syd could communicate more and work more closely together in hopes of developing a better work relationship and better understanding of one another.
Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organisation, Diversity comes down to acceptance, respect and understanding of one another in the workplace, even when you may disagree, you need to be understanding and try your best to relate to everyone and embrace their unique differences.
According to Kinicki, diversity represents the multitude of individual’s differences and similarities that exist among people. When developing a cultural diversity training program, one has to manage diversity with a new approach of inclusion and recognition. Managing diversity enables people to perform up to their maximum potential (Kinicki p. 111). As we analyze diversity, we will evaluate some common barriers and challenges in managing diversity. In developing a diversity program, we will analyze methods and procedures that will be apart of the program. Kinicki (p.*) says an important first step in overcoming these obstacles is for leaders to convey to their employees why the organization values diversity.
Diversity is a value that shows respect for the differences and similarities of age, sex, culture, ethnicity, beliefs and much more. Having a diverse organization, helps notice the value in other people and also how to teach respect to people that might not know how. The world is filled with different cultures and people that might believe in different things as you, but that doesn’t mean you need to treat them any different. It is imperative for people to grasp diversity because it’ll help people how to engage with others in a respectful yet a hospitable way.
Consultants and the managers as well as business leaders believe that effectively managing and handling the diversity is the competitive advantage. This advantage stems from the process in which diversity management affects the organizational
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).
I have learned in this class that diversity is a number of traits that every person has that makes them an individual these traits can be ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, age etc. It is important to stay open with diversity realizing it gives one individuality and is a good thing and people need to become aware of this and keep an open mind.