...Individual diversity and conflict management relate to teamwork in several ways. Teams are made up of individuals and conflicts will always occur in group settings. Individual diversity and conflict management are things that relate to teamwork because they can be the success or failure of a team. Individual diversity is inevitable; we are all different and have our own unique personality. Although many people may share traits and characteristics each person has their own background, environment, and beliefs that have made them who they are today. Individual diversity may seem like something that would seperate people, but in fact it can be a common uniter. Individual diversity is directly related to teamwork because it can provide progress and ideas that a team would not be able to come up with if every member of the team was the same. Conflict management is something that is necessary to teamwork and everyday life. It is important to understand that conflicts do not have to be avoided or blown out of proportion, and if conflicts can be managed they can actually provide all members of a conflict with a valuable learning situation. Conflict management is something that is important for all people to understand and practice in all areas of their life, and it is extremely important when working within a team. Individual diversity and conflict management are key factors to the success or failure of a team, and it is important to take both of these factors into consideration when...
Words: 446 - Pages: 2
...The diversity competency includes the knowledge,skills, and abilities to value unique individual, group, and organizational characteristics, embrace such characteristics as potential sources of strength, and appreciate the uniqueness of each. This competency includes the ability to help people work effectively together even if their interests and backgrounds are different. The conflicts that may or could arise are disagreement, contest, and intractable(difficult) people.A lot of times individuals are slow or even afraid of something or someone new. This being said a manager must be aware of the fact that these very issues could occur and must be ready to resolve any and all problems. Effective conflict resolution means being able to use differences in ways that strengths rather than divide. Develop clear purposes and goals, design and conduct effective meetings, ensure appropriate representation and understanding of roles. There must also be some education, and this is done through training. The training should equip the individuals with the right tools to educate as well as inspire everyone. Source:Hellriegel, D.,& Slocum, J.W.Jr.(2011) Organizational Behavior: 2011 Custom Edition(13th ed.). The key attributes of the diversity competency include the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals, teams, and the organization to perform effective in doing the following: fostering; learning; embracing and developing; communicating and personally practicing; providing leadership...
Words: 609 - Pages: 3
...According to Giger and Davidhizar (2007), diversity has always been represented since the founding of the United States. Even though diversity was prevalent; the demographic profile continues to grow and change (Gordon, 2013). In order provide effective and efficient health services; health care organizations need to develop cultural and linguistic competence (Gordon, 2013). The aim for health care organizations is to achieve cultural competence as evidenced by every patient regardless of race, ethnicity, culture or language receiving the highest-quality care (Betancourt, Green, Carrillo, & Park, 2005). Betancourt, Green, Carillo, and Ananeh-Firempong II (2003) defined a cultural competent health care organization as one that recognizes and integrates the importance of culture, cultural differences, cultural knowledge and services to meet the distinctive needs of the culture. This cultural competence encompasses integration and interaction of beliefs, behaviors, disease prevalence and incidence and treatment outcomes for diverse patient populations (Betancourt et al., 2003). In the case study: Diversity Conflicts in the NICU the manager has identified practices in the NICU that are not representative of a culturally competent organization. While reflecting on the diverse population that her staff comprises of the manager debates changing her hiring practices to avoid the amount of growing conflicts. Gordon (2013) discusses how health care organizations have an obligation...
Words: 1900 - Pages: 8
...Diversity & Avoiding Conflicts PM/582 May 17, 2014 Professor Carol Locker Diversity & Avoiding Conflicts In mot organizations, conflicts arises because of jealousy, egos, lack of communication, promotion and falsely spread rumors. According to Manktelow (2014), conflict arises from differences between people; the same differences that often make diverse teams more effective than those made up of people with similar experience. When people with varying viewpoints, experiences, skills, and opinions are tasked with a project or challenge, the combined effort can far surpass what any group of similar individual could achieve. Team members must be open to these differences and not let them rise into full-blown disputes. Understanding and appreciating individuals viewpoints involved in conflict are key factors in its resolution. These are key skills for all team members to develop. The important thing is to maintain a healthy balance of constructive difference of opinion, and avoid negative conflict that's destructive and disruptive (Manktelow, 2014). The remainder of this paper will discuss the issues arising with Riordan Manufacturing “Going Green” and how the project manager addresses and mitigate conflicts. Also, discussing different strategies a project leader can use to promote success while leading team members Address & Mitigate Conflicts For the past few months, Riordan Manufacturing has been working a project where the company will be “Going...
Words: 861 - Pages: 4
...Abstract Diversity encompasses characteristics that categorizes individuals and allows for self-identification. Diversity presents itself in two different forms, visible and invisible. Those that are visible forms of diversity include ones physical appearance, sex, race, age, ethnicity, speech patterns and language. Those that are nonvisible include characteristics such as religion, national origin, illness and sexual orientation (Clair 2005). When discussing diversity in the work environment, most often times they are discussing the outward, visible characteristics, however invisible social identities are common in the workplace. Gender is one of the most common viewed issues when looking at diversity in the workplace. The glass ceiling and equality issues are analyzed and discussed frequently. Discoveries have been made that support the idea that woman should be on more Boards and should be making more decisions on allocations of monies. This paper seeks to address how diversity impacts an organization and how managers can make diversity work for them. Introduction According to Gibson, Ivancevich, Donnelly, and Konopaske (2012), Diversity is a term that describes the cultural, ethnic and racial differences in a population. A more comprehensive definition by Gibson et al (2012) indicates that diversity is “an array of physical and cultural differences that constitute the spectrum of human attributes. There are six dimensions of diversity which include: age...
Words: 2636 - Pages: 11
...Workplace Diversity: Challenges and Opportunities Jane A. Hannon Southern New Hampshire University Workplace Diversity: Challenges and Opportunities The fastest growing segment of the workforce in the United States is adults over 55 years of age (Robbins & Judge, 2015). Given advancements in medical treatments, diagnosis, and wellness initiatives; a forecast of continued sluggish economic growth; and the changing landscape of employer-sponsored benefit programs, the increase of workers in this age group does not show signs of slowing down. An aging workforce presents challenges and opportunities for organizations. While some of these challenges are unique to the demographic, many are similar to the challenges and opportunities of managing other “surface-level diversity,” which includes race, gender, culture, and disability (Robbins & Judge, 2015). By effectively addressing diversity through the creation of policies and their consistent implementation, organizations have the potential for greater productivity and growth. Changes in Employee Relationships Generationally diverse workplaces pose distinct challenges for employers and employees. Because workers of different ages bring their own perceptions and personalities to the workplace, there exists the potential for misunderstanding and conflict. “Diversity involves not only how people perceive themselves but also how they perceive others. Those perceptions affect their interactions” (Patrick & Kumar, 2012)...
Words: 1244 - Pages: 5
...Best Practices in a Diverse Work Environment Melody Nelson HRM 531 October 18, 2010 Caroline Willett | InterClean, Inc. | Memo To: First level managers From: Melody Nelson CC: Date: October 18, 2010 Re: InterClean, Inc and EnviroTech Merger Transition Merger Transition The merger between InterClean an EnviroTech is in its final stages. As in any situation involving change, there will be some uncertainties and insecurities among the staff and it is the responsibility of all management personnel at all levels to effectively deal with these issues. However, setting a good foundation and following through with good communication, uncertainties and insecurities will be kept at a minimum. Following are a few ways you can make a significant contribution toward that goal. Enthusiasm is contagious! This is a golden opportunity not only for the future of InterClean but also for anybody at InterClean. As we begin merging the operations of both companies, there very well could be some downsizing in certain areas. However, there will also be new opportunities to learn, grow, and move into positions of greater responsibility. Commitment is contagious! “The importance of talking the talk and walking the walk is fundamental to achieving commitment” (Schifalacqua, Costello, & Denman, 2009). Frequent communications updating the status of the merging of operations should be relayed to all team members in a timely fashion in order to keep the excitement flowing...
Words: 752 - Pages: 4
...group in the U. S. by the year 2010. In order for companies to fully and aggressively compete in the marketplace, they will need to consider these statistics and work towards attracting, recruiting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce. This will be critical if they are to survive. They will also need to recognize that the market they cater to is becoming more diverse. Diverse groups are a growing percentage of the buying power in the United States. In order to maintain competitive advantage in the sector they serve, organizations will need to truly understand its customers, clients, members and employees and will need to create an organizational climate that is welcoming to all. The Birth of the Diversity Movement The “Diversity” Movement was born in 1987, when the Hudson Institute launched a study titled “Workforce 2000”. The study projected demographic trends that would impact the workplace, as we knew it by the year 2000. One of the predictions made was that there would be a marked growth in the number of women and minorities entering the workforce. In fact, the report suggested that women,...
Words: 2841 - Pages: 12
...Scott Kenyon Baker College Conflict Management Cultural Diversity-Conflict Paper UIN# 105-65604 Cultural Diversity and Conflict Conflict is a normal part of life, there are bound to be miscommunication and differences of opinion when relating to work, family and relationships. How you choose to handle them can change the level of success you achieve in all areas of your life. Now imagine if you are dealing with a person, who has different cultural values than your own. We will cover how these differences affect the outcome of conflict and how you might need to change the techniques used when dealing with conflict to match up with a different value system. With the changes in business to a global market place, it has become more important than ever to understand the changes in negotiations between cultures. The differences in culture break down to five main areas described by Hofstede. These areas are Power distance, individualism, Masculinity, Uncertainty avoidance index and long term Orientation. I found that while there are some similarities, there are areas of great difference between the two cultures. Many of the manners in which we deal with conflict in the west would not apply within the Chinese culture. The first area on the scale deals with Power Distance Index (PDI), which is the extent, by which the power is distributed unequally between the members of a family or within an organization. In the US culture it is scored at a 40 showing a much smaller divide...
Words: 942 - Pages: 4
...Chapter 12: Managing Diversity in the Workplace The Chancellor's Committee on Diversity defines Diversity as: "The variety of experiences and perspective which arise from differences in race, culture, religion, mental or physical abilities, heritage,age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and other characteristics." So why is it when many people think of diversity, they think first of ethnicity and race, and then gender? Diversity is much broader. Diversity is otherness or those human qualities that are different from our own and outside the groups to which we belong, yet present in other individuals and groups. It's important to understand how these dimensions affect performance, motivation, success, and interactions with others. Institutional structures and practices that have presented barriers to some dimensions of diversity should be examined, challenged, and removed. A good starting-point for thinking about diversity is to become familiar with UC’s systemwide Non-Discrimination Statement: “It is the policy of the University not to engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with the University of California on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran. This policy applies to all employment...
Words: 2057 - Pages: 9
...Groups and Teams Before taking this course the student always thought groups and teams were the same, but she has realized even though, these two terms do have some similarities they also have some differences. In this paper the student will explain the differences between groups and teams, examine the importance of workplace diversity in an organization, and how it relates to team dynamics in the workplace. A work group is a collection of people working in similar areas and placed together to complete a task. Groups performance is the outcome of people coming together to share information views and insights. Members of groups have a mutual purpose. As members gather together, each brings a different personal perspective and style to the table. As the members share information, they begin the decision-making processes that help each member perform his or her particular responsibility. The two main types of groups are formal groups and informal groups. A formal group is designed around an organizations formal structure. An informal group is not structured and is normally formed out of a social need (Schermerhorn Jr, Hunt, & Osborn, 2008). (Good ) Teams are groups, but teams are a distinct separation of groups. A team is a reduced number of people with corresponding skills and committed to a common purpose, a set of performance goals and an approach for which they hold themselves accountable. (Good) Teams start out as groups; (Always???) they share some of the same beginning...
Words: 578 - Pages: 3
...examination this paper will further bring out the importance of workplace diversity in an organizational environment; and team dynamics in the workplace. The most effective way to help readers understand the difference between Groups and Teams begins with defining the two organizations for clarity. The definition of a” Group is a small group of people with complementary skills in which a leader’s goal and approach; and are willing to be held accountable by the leader” (Mackin, 2007). Groups attainments are approached by the leader’s goals for dominate support. The accountability of a group is thrives on individual accountability. However, the viewpoints of leaders are for the production of its organization the supervisor has input. Subsequently group decisions are made by voting rather than members acquiring any input. However, “a team is a small group of people with complementary skills and abilities with common goals and approaches for which they hold each other accountable” (Mackin, 2007). Teams require structure and support, aside from the purpose of each member having the ability to complement skills. A Team prefers sharing responsibility to improve their performance constantly. A Team will be consensus in their approaches concerning meeting goals; and they take accountability by speaking to one another whenever conflicts arouses among members. The importance of examinating workplace diversity in organizations are to...
Words: 734 - Pages: 3
...workforce Diversity is more than just a buzz-word. In today's workplace, it can hold the key to fostering new ways of thinking, reaching out to a wider range of customers and growing your business. Our workforce and working patterns are changing. Our working population is getting older, and increasing numbers of women and people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds are entering the workforce. Valuing diversity is becoming increasingly important for businesses. Publisher Malcolm Forbes once said that 'diversity is the art of thinking independently together.' Organisations can't thrive and grow if everyone in them thinks and behaves the same way. Having a diverse workforce with people from different racial, educational and social backgrounds and a diverse age range opens up a wealth of possibilities and helps to encourage creativity and foster innovation. There's also a clear competitive advantage to be gained from employing a diverse workforce. An organisation with a diverse range of employees is well placed to understand the needs of a wide range of customers, and can interact with a broad client base. Not only that, but it is also in a good position to recruit and retain staff in an increasingly diverse and competitive labour market. Embedding diversity of thought throughout an organisation also means that talent can be properly recognised and nurtured - wherever it may be. The best starting point for any organisation is to develop a good equality and diversity policy...
Words: 1536 - Pages: 7
...Feature articles Workplace diversity: developing a win-win-win strategy Joan Marques iversity as a topic earns more attention today than it has ever received before, and the reasons are easily understandable: global migration is increasing, the internet is enabling communication on a worldwide scale, and business leaders are continuously in search for less expensive resources and lower wages to pay. All these trends result in progressively diversified workforces locally and internationally. D Joan Marques is Instructor, Business and Management, Woodbury University, Burbank, California, USA. Increasingly, companies allocate special room for diversity practices on their web sites. Yet, there are some interesting observations that may not necessarily be new, but should nevertheless regularly be brought to the attention of business leaders. Why? So that they can keep track of the best way to develop and implement diversity in their organizations. Let us briefly look at the right reasons and the right way, beginning with the right reasons. The right reasons Often, organizations pride themselves in implementing diversity in order to accommodate customers. But there is only limited reason to be proud of this way of bringing diversity to the workplace. What these companies overlook is that they apply diversity only as a means toward an end, not as an end in itself: B They apply diversity with the primary mindset of profits. They reach out to their customers, but do not...
Words: 1363 - Pages: 6
...workplace diversity. The reasons why Xerox should be motivated to diversify their workforce is more talent will be employed at Xerox if employees of all cultures and race are hired because diversity is a key to achieving critical business results. Furthermore, there will be more knowledge sharing employees can share cultural traits, market demographics and help develop companies develop robust knowledge management and market intelligence systems that create productive people and an innovative company by recognizing and respecting diversity and empowering individuality. Enhanced Productivity by processing varied skills, competencies and capabilities of different races and cultures, Xerox can increase its productivity worldwide (Xerox) that will make them a prominent player despite the economic slowdown in technology spending. Reduced Discrimination at Xerox woman and minorities make up for 52% of the workforce and 42.5% of Xerox senior executives are women or people of color or both (Xerox). This motivates employees in a way that they feel like they appreciated and valued. Besides, its make them challenge each other’s underlying assumptions, freeing everybody from convention and orthodoxy. Xerox has strict discrimination policies as well. With the inclusion of women in the workforce, Xerox developed a form of “flex time” that allowed for a better work/home life balance which has increased productivity which clearly shows how Xerox shows its values workplace diversity. They also...
Words: 822 - Pages: 4
