...Running head: DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE Diversity in the Workplace Amber Barger ORG536 – Contemporary Business Writing and Communication Colorado State University –Global Campus Dr. Phillip Jackson November 26, 2013 DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE As companies start to regain their footing after the recent economic downturn, 2 factors such as the rising number of immigrants, mergers of large corporations, the popular use of temporary workers and the increasing globalization of business, has forced the American workforce to become more diverse (White, 2009). While businesses begin to communicate more with other businesses around the world, it is equally important to remember the advantages of becoming diverse domestically. According to Guffey and Lowey (2001), diversity comes in many forms. Race, age, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities and religion are only six of the endless qualities that make up diversity. Fortunately, American corporations have begun to raise the bar when it comes to diversity in the workplace. What makes a company successful at fostering diversity? Daniels (2004), identifies a few strategies that companies are using to foster a healthy diverse culture. Companies begin by interacting with outside minority communities such as colleges where minority groups are well represented. While on these college campuses they participate in job fairs where they offer internships or job positions to qualified minority students about to graduate from college....
Words: 1112 - Pages: 5
...Diversity in the Workplace Diversity in the Workplace Organizational Behavior 12/11/2011 Diversity in the Workplace Diversity in organizations is increasingly gaining importance and attention by hiring and cooperate management. Nowadays, not only does diversity in the workplace mean being in compliance with the equal opportunity act, but culturally diverse employees are being valued as an asset to the company. Managers have started to appreciate new points of views and ideas from employees with a cultural diverse background rather than expecting them to adapt and assimilate to the current company’s “good old way” of conducting business. The purpose of this paper is to design a model and provided procedures for analyzing diversity, and show how the results would be implemented in a cultural diversity training program. The Diversity Framework The diversity of an individual is a complex framework that consists of different personal and social components. There are two different types of personal components; the first type is a personal component we cannot control or influence, such as our race, age, gender, physical condition, sexual orientation and ethnicity. On the other hand, the second type of personal component we are rather able to choose or impact, such as our marital status, job, religious belief, educational background and appearance. These personal diversity components critically determine our behavior, attitude and views at work. Finally, the social component...
Words: 907 - Pages: 4
...in diversity will experience increasing harmony amongst staff, different network contacts, and staffs taking on varied responsibilities and tasks. Valuing diversity means understanding that differences are not absolute but are variables and that differences enables organization to be more effective because it can capitalize on divergence of perspectives and talents to find the perfect solution for each single situation. According to Michael R, Carrel Norbert F, et all, organizations that use a diverse workforce will be able to sell to a diverse customer base; they cited the example of Avon Corporation with initial low profitability in inner-city markets but...
Words: 1362 - Pages: 6
...Diversity in the Workplace By University of Phoenix Mgt/308 August 24, 2011 Diversity in the workplace is a subject that has gained increased attention in the workplace, not only just here in this country over the past few years. After all, the impact of affirmative action and equal employment opportunity programs on the nation's work force is undeniable. Women and minorities were the first to dramatically alter the face of the economic mainstream, while gays, persons with disabilities and senior citizens followed not far behind. The result is a diverse American labor force representing a microcosm of our society - yet one that continues to struggle with its identity. Diversity as a social condition is not new to America. According to the History Channel “We were founded as a nation of Diversity. And America has always been a merger of cultures and, as such, has undergone periods of discomfort as the world's melting pot” (HistoryChannel.com). The sense and nature of pride in diversity has led the nation to where we are today as a country. It is important to identify various dimensions of workplace diversity. The first dimension involves primary levels of diversity. That is, people with disabilities, gender, race, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, creed, religion, and age are primary dimensions of diversity. Managers must recognize that there is a need to train, inform, and sensitize their employees to deal with issues relating to this type of diversity. Consequently...
Words: 958 - Pages: 4
...Diversity in the Workplace Religion in the workplace is often a matter many employers and employees are hesitant to discuss. This may be because religion is usually segregated by race or ethnicity, another sensitive subject in the workplace. Good employers know the value of workplace diversity and know the pros and cons and can identify and compromise with their employees about how to effectively work with the diversity to provide a comfortable working environment. Catholic Christians tend to be Hispanic or Caucasian, while Baptist Christians are more often African-American. Muslims or followers of the Islamic faith are usually either of Arabic descent or African American. Some of the most persecuted faiths or non-faiths in the workplace are Muslims, Sikhs, and Jews. The majority of employees in America are Christians or claim to be of the Christian faith. So any diverse religions in the workplace can be a little different for them. Muslims before 9/11 were already religiously persecuted simply because of the rituals and practices performed on a day-to-day basis. Devout Muslims pray five times a day towards the east, the direction of Mecca whether in work, school, or restaurants. In some branches of the religion women are required to cover their hair or even cover their entire faces. They may not be able to wear pants or shorts. Post 9/11, Muslims were almost pariahs, particularly during the first few years following the plane hijackings. It was near impossible for practicing...
Words: 326 - Pages: 2
...challenge in organizations is learning how to efficiently diversify the workplace (Hostager & De Meuse, 2008). As we continue to emerge from the global recession the marketplace continues to remain extremely competitive. Even within this contentious environment, however, one could say organizations have become increasingly open minded about diversity. Competition is coming from all over, and because of this, organizations have to become more resourceful and seek for competitive advantages. Diversity has now become essential for management in order to ensure success. Diversity brings forth more creativity and it can have a positive effect on the way individuals work. People bring their cultural principles with them to work so it is important to identify culture orientation. However, because diversity is still somewhat a challenge, managers need to teach their employees as well as themselves the skills and abilities needed to work in a multiethnic environment. (Green, Lopez, Wysocki, & Kepner) This paper will highlight ways to create and maintain a diverse workforce, as well as the benefits and challenges of diversity as well as equal employment opportunity programs. Background For a long time “diversity has been one of the most controversial and least understood topics”. (Rohini, 2008 ) A recent survey conducted among human resources (HR) and diversity practitioners examined how they defined diversity (Society for Human Resources Management, 2008). At least eight definitions...
Words: 1362 - Pages: 6
...Short Essay | Diversity in the Workplace | How it can create business related advantages | | Madison Roney: 7660183 | 5/15/2013 | | In modern western society, the diversification of culture has increased dramatically in recent years. With this shift, along with the growing competitiveness of the labor market, corporations have been forced to hire more employees who are not familiar with the spoken language or societal norms present in western culture. Many corporations, as much as 80% according to equity activist Trevor Wilson, consider cultural barriers to be a burden on their managers and fellow employees. As a result, these corporations fail to treat their employees equitably. (Hayes, 1999). One could argue, however, that the diversification of employees within the workplace has various business related benefits such as improved efficiency, bottom line revenue, and relationships formed with co-workers, managers and customers alike. However, to ensure its success, principles of transformational leadership must be used on the part of managers and various challenges must be overcome in order for these benefits to take full effect. This is not the first time in Canada's history where ethnic equality in the workplace has been a subject of interest. In 1993 the New Democratic Party in Ontario, whom was the provincial government at the time, enacted an employment equity law to ensure fair employment opportunities to workers from select minority groups. This legislation...
Words: 1570 - Pages: 7
...Diversity in the Workplace When we think of diversity we may think of different colors of skin, or maybe different backgrounds of origin. However diversity is so much more. In historic times white men where the world’s leaders, within the workforce. There are some who helped shape our managerial environment. We had great men like Maslow who was the father of hierarchy of needs. Which is a theory in psychology which subsequently extended the idea to include his observations of humans' innate curiosity. With this theory we understood the needs basis for the blue collar employee, and how to communicate from the bottom to the top. We also had others like Frederick Taylor, father of scientific management, with scientific management we were able to understand what it meant to be a top manager, and how to communicate with the employee. Henri Fayol, was another contributor of the idea of human resources, and the managerial world, he was the early proponent of general principles of management. With these men they shaped the idea of what was proper management, and what the work environment needed. With them they brought forth new ideas, and these ideas brought forth the movement of diversity. With diversity becoming more of a norm within the working environment, and fewer whites moving up in the ranks of companies, and businesses. The workforce started to change with the introduction of women in the workforce, and other cultures being involved, when the market began to globalize. ...
Words: 1636 - Pages: 7
...managerial effectiveness Assignment: Managing diversity in Toyota company Lecturer: Dawid Mwaura Student: Shohruh Aminov (L0366NINI1012) 2013 Table of Contents Executive summary 3 Introduction 3 Company overview 3 Critical Analysis 4 Diversity at workplace 4 Diversity dimensions 5 Diversity issues 5 Diversity advantages 6 Managing diversity 7 Diversity in Toyota 8 Conclusion 8 Recommendations 8 References 9 Bibliography 10 ------------------------------------------------- Executive summary This paper will evaluate diversity in Toyota company in 21st century. Referring to a various theories in diversity it creates understanding around diversification at workplace and will analyse whether diversity assists to achieve company’s goals and objectives. The report pounders about increasing self-awareness in terms of personal perspectives of diversity issues. It recommends set of suggestion to enhance skills to solve problems related to diversity dilemmas. Main recommendation of the paper is to bring different nationalities to the board of directors of the company, because in long term the company may face disadvantages of having only Japanese nationality at corporate governance. ------------------------------------------------- Introduction Diversity itself is not a new phenomenon; it has been part of the society for many centuries, however in 21st century it has become more and more crucial. Either diversity is against politics or economics, it becomes...
Words: 3073 - Pages: 13
...MERU UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT RESEARCH PROJECT AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT IN WORKPLACE TO ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS IN MERU MUNICIPALITY KENNEDY MUTWIRI MUKARIA MUC-SBS-555-0056/2009 A RESEARCH PROPOSAL A research proposal submitted to the department of business in partial fulfilment of requirements of degree of Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) of Meru University College of Science and Technology DECLARATION This is my original work and has not been presented for the degree or any other award to any other University Signature ___________________________ Name __________________________ Date Approval This proposal has been submitted for examination with my approval as the University supervisor Signature ___________________________ (Name of supervisor of department; Meru University) __________________________ Date TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE 1.0 Introduction................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background to the study............................................................................................... 1 1.2 Statement of the problem.............................................................................................. 4 1.3 Objectives of the study................................................................................................. 1.4 Research questions...................................................
Words: 8628 - Pages: 35
...Diversity in the Workplace Alain Kraussman Hall Baker College Online Human Behavior Management of Organization/BUS615 December 6, 2012 Introduction Diversity is defined as “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements: variety; especially: the inclusion of different types of people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization” ("diversity," 2012). These differing elements are becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society, and especially in the business world. Emigrants from every country in the world have made their way to the shores of America, and from there, to millions of companies and organizations across the nation. From the owner of the neighborhood corner store to the CEO position at Citigroup and Pfizer, foreign-born employees are giving this country a new, diverse, face. Diversity is not just of race, but of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, and disability. In every decade since 1900, the percentage of women 16 years and older in the workplace has increased, going from just 18.3 percent in 1900 to 53.6 percent in 2010 ("Women in the," 2007). The same holds true of disabled workers. In December 1976, there were roughly 2,088,242 blind and disabled workers in the United States. Growing nearly every year since, the Social Security Administration reports that as of December 2011, there are 6,996,435 blind and disabled people in the workforce ("Ssi annual statistical...
Words: 2619 - Pages: 11
...Managing Workplace Diversity “What can I do—in the workplace and in society—to promote the creation of inclusive work environments in which full advantage is taken of the potential contributions of all members, regardless of job-irrelevant personal characteristics?” During this class I learned a lot about human rights, diversity and discriminatory laws at workplace and in society. I want to start with this because what I learned in this class, it changed a lot my way of thinking to different things. It was a good experience listening different authors and professors talking in the class abut legal and theories of diversity effects, representation and performance at workplace and in society. Lets look around and we will see that our society is very diverse. Cultural diversity brings together the resources and talents of many people for the shared benefit of all. Sadly, the differences among us have historically formed the basis of fear, fanaticism, and even violence. Yet consider how dull life would be if we all looked alike, thought alike, and acted alike. By learning to recognize our similarities and appreciate our differences, together we can overcome prejudice and intolerance and work towards a more peaceful and productive world. At workplace, valuing diversity means creating a work environment that respects and includes variation individual by maximizing the potential of all employees or in which every employee feels included. It means acknowledging that other people...
Words: 1337 - Pages: 6
...DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE What is a diverse work place? Well, a diverse workplace could be a place that has mixture of gender, age, ethnicity, disability and other dimensions of diversity. I didn’t know that diversity included disability or even other dimensions of diversity. Well according to our HR book other dimension is a person’s sexual orientation. (DENISI/GRIFFIN, 2011) Sexual orientation means a person's sexual identity in relation to the gender to which they are attracted; the fact of being heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual. Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace. A diverse workforce drives economic growth which is beneficial to all the valuable markets. We have in the United States a big growth in more women, racial and ethnic minorities, and gay and transgender going into the workforce. A diverse workforce can have a better share of consumer market. By bringing in a diverse group of employees it brings together different experiences that can be more marketable to consumers. Recruiting from a diverse pool of candidates means a more qualified workforce. A diverse and inclusive workforce helps businesses avoid employee turnover costs. Diversity fosters a more creative and innovative workforce. Businesses need to adapt to our changing nation to be competitive in the economic market. Diversity is a key aspect of entrepreneurialism. Diversity in business ownership, particularly among women of color, is way to moving our economy forward. Diversity...
Words: 648 - Pages: 3
...Diversity in the Workplace We live in a society today that is culturally diverse. With this diversity of the population, comes the need for a diverse and culturally competent nursing workforce to care appropriately for patients. The purpose of this paper is to examine diversity in the workplace, its importance to nursing as a profession and its impact on the delivery of culturally competent nursing care. Importance of Diversity in the Workplace Huston (2014) reveals that age, gender, customs, religion, physical size, physical and mental capabilities, beliefs, culture, ethnicity, and skin color are all forms of diversity. Despite the shift in demography of today’s society, which reflects an increasingly culturally diverse population (Phillips and Malone, 2014), the majority of nurses in the workforce are white, middle-aged females (Mattson, 2009). Making the nursing workplace more heterogeneous, diverse and representative of the population (Phillips and Malone, 2014), helps to promote quality of care and decrease disparities in healthcare (Huston, 2014). Maier-Lorentz (2008) adds that diversity in the workplace fosters cultural competency, which is vital to the provision of holistic and optimal care to this diverse patient population. Summary of One Aspect of Diversity One aspect of Diversity in the workplace is Generational diversity. With the current aging nursing population averaging forty-years of age (Mason, Leavitt and Chaffee, 2014), the current nursing...
Words: 1049 - Pages: 5
...By Freddie Lesser North centralUniversity Workplace Diversity October 2012 | | According to Konrad, Prasad, & Pringle (2006) researches interested in workplace diversity have commonly drawn upon psychological views to comprehend the influence that labels have on the occurrences and consequences of different groups of people in establishments. Nevertheless, need for equal opportunities, the pressure to internationalize, increased migration, and developments in communication technology involve all united to make workplace diversity an unavoidable realism in many organizations around the globe. Nevertheless, while the significance of diversity is rising, there still appears to be some misunderstanding in translating the effect of diversity on organizational occurrence. Confirmed diversity effects include developed information processing, group problem solving, and originality. On the other hand, dissimilar groups may neglect to capitalize on their differences due to high levels of encounters, low levels of group solidity, and communication problems. One possible controlling aspect influencing the outcome of demographic heterogeneity could be dissimilarity in the group’s faiths, stances, and feelings towards diversity. The philosophy is that a common entity’s inner environment that is open to demographic contrasts expands the chances of positive group processes in diverse situation Lauring and Selmer (2011). Multiplicity environment is an evolving area of research...
Words: 1134 - Pages: 5
