"We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion."
-- Max de Pree
Workplaces today have become increasingly diverse with employees of different genders, races, cultures, ethnic origins, and lifestyles. Changes in the cultural make-up of organizations have been so vast that it has become imperative for leaders and supervisors to understand cultural diversity and how it can affect their organization. By understanding how this diversity can affect their organization, leaders are taking steps to assure a conflict-free environment and are helping promote positive outcomes for the business, as well as its employees. “Diversity today is being viewed as a key means to strengthen the human capital of an organization and improve overall performance” (Bowes, 2007/2008). Studies have shown that diverse workforces can positively affect and strengthen the organization, but what can organizations do to assure this type of environment? What programs or tools do leaders need to implement when looking to improve their ability to manage this diversity?
The main purpose of this research paper will be to explore what methods organizations and leaders can use to successfully manage increased cultural diversity within the workforce. This research will reflect not only why it is important for organizations to embrace the differences in a diverse workplace, but will discuss the consequences that may occur if they do not incorporate effective methods for addressing a multicultural population. A clear discussion of the educational tools used in this project ...
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The diversity of an organization’s workforce and taking affirmative steps to attract, develop and retain diverse employees has become an essential component to business success. It is to encourage managers to use all resources when recruiting to enhance the cultural diversity in their work place as “dynamic atmosphere of collaboration”.
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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.
The world is a forever changing climate of people. This requires companies to change with the times. The introduction of different cultures, beliefs, and diverse backgrounds requires a new approach for managing a larger arrange of people. People no longer work in a time of intolerance. Diversity is about the many things that make us individuals and also the similarities that bring us together. Companies should diversify the organizations because it is shown that diversification will increase profits, build a more cohesive work environment, and show appreciation for foreign culture.
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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.
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).
It is important to a foster cultural diversity in the workplace. Employee training and development is key necessary to bring about the desired results. Diversity is a reality in today’s business environment. Moreover, if cultural diversity is managed well, diversity provides benefits that increase success for the employer and employees. However, when ignored or mismanaged it brings unnecessary challenges and issues that hinder the company’s ability to
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When your employees are diversified and have different ways of processing and selling ideas and products to people, they can appeal to many different backgrounds. There are a lot of pros if a company is diverse but unified at the same time. The challenge of diversity is having your managers capitalize on the mixture of genders, cultural backgrounds, ages and lifestyles so as to respond to business opportunities rapidly and creatively (Lindenberger, n.d).
Cultural Diversity has become a huge issue in the workplace. How has it played a role in our work place some may ask? Cultural Diversity allows a business to draw from the best talent
Diversity is a highly important issue in today’s business, especially in a globalized company. Workplace diversity helps to get better solutions to business problems (Schawbel, 2012). When you have a group of individ...