... Name Institution Introduction The concept of workplace diversity refers to the differences that exist within an organization based on the employees working together in a team (Sonnenschein, 2009). It is imperative to note that the modern working environment calls for the need to manage the diverse workforce. As such, the management shoulders the responsibility of ensuring that they effectively manage diverse employees within their organization. It would sound simple to think that managing such team does not require tact and knowledge. However, it is pertinent to note that the aspect of diversity encompasses many fields like ethnic background, race, and age of individuals, gender, educational level, and the personality type of people. Additionally, diversity involves how the individuals perceive themselves and others of the different background than theirs. Hence, the perceptions will interfere with how they interact with others and the manner in which the organization will operate (Blunt, 2009). Therefore, for various assortments of employees to be in a position to function effectively within an organization, the human resource personnel must effectively deal with a broad range of issues. For instance, they must address change within the organization, communication aspect, and adaptability to the working environment. Furthermore, the issue of diversity will significantly increase in the future hence the need for every organization to find ways...
Words: 2288 - Pages: 10
...with diversity. A possible missing vinculum (link) between how an organization deals with diversity and its impact on the bottomline is a corporate diversity strategy that is executed using a planned change approach to systemically manage diversity. While many organizations have implemented a corporate diversity strategy, most have not used a “planned change-corporate diversity strategy”. The lack of a “planned change-corporate diversity strategy” is quite likely to inhibit managing diversity from becoming systemic to an organization’s culture and its way of doing business, thus tending to disallow the potential benefits of diversity to be maximized diversity is a phenomenon that has a wide array of affects within the workplace, and society in general (Koonce, 2001; Stark, 2001; Williams and O’Reilly, 1997). In this paper, diversity refers to any attribute that happens to be salient to an individual that makes him/her perceive that he/she is different from another individual (Williams and O’Reilly, 1997). Some widely accepted differentiating attributes include racioethnicity (which encompasses race and ethnicity), gender, nationality, religion, functional expertise, and age. Even though racioethnic and gender diversity tend to receive the majority of the attention in the organizational diversity literature (Stark, 2001; Williams and O’Reilly, 1997), this definition allows for the frameworks offered to be applied to any type of organizational diversity salient...
Words: 1069 - Pages: 5
...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: Benefits, Challenges and Solutions Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization. That sounds simple, but diversity encompasses race, gender, ethnic group, age, personality, cognitive style, tenure, organizational function, education, background and more. Diversity not only involves how people perceive themselves, but how they perceive others. Those perceptions affect their interactions. For a wide assortment of employees to function effectively as an organization, human resource professionals need to deal effectively with issues such as communication, adaptability and change. Diversity will increase significantly in the coming years. Successful organizations recognize the need for immediate action and are ready and willing to spend resources on managing diversity in the workplace now. Benefits of Workplace Diversity An organization’s success and competitiveness depends upon its ability to embrace diversity and realize the benefits. When organizations actively assess their handling of workplace diversity issues, develop and implement diversity plans, multiple benefits are reported such as: Increased adaptability Organizations employing a diverse workforce can supply a greater variety of solutions to problems in service, sourcing, and allocation of resources. Employees from diverse backgrounds bring individual talents and experiences in suggesting ideas that are flexible in adapting to fluctuating markets...
Words: 4512 - Pages: 19
...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
...invisible filaments of interconnectedness that bind us together in love and appreciation” (Quotes for Unity in Diversity). What needs to be better looked at and applied is taking Scott A. hunt’s concept of unity through diversity, into the workplace. That process of incorporating diversity into the workplace has been becoming ever necessary over the years through rapidly growing domestic, global, and international business interactions. Though difficult as it may be sometimes, what diversity actually is and how it can significantly improve business and its interactions, in and out of the workplace, is what needs to be looked at. Josh Greenberg, president of the employee surveying company AlphaMeasure, Inc., writes on the benefits, challenges, and solutions to diversity in the workplace, “Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization. That sounds simple, but diversity encompasses race, gender, ethnic group, age, personality, cognitive style, tenure, organizational function, education, background and more. Diversity not only involves how people perceive themselves, but how they perceive others. Those perceptions affect their interactions. For a wide assortment of employees to function effectively as an organization, human resource professionals need to deal effectively with issues such as communication, adaptability and change. Diversity will increase significantly in the coming years....
Words: 1804 - Pages: 8
...Case Analysis Introduction Multinational companies (MNC) are organizations that have facilitates and other assets in one or more than one countries aside than its own country. Thus, there are competitive and challenges of companies operating in different countries and the relevancy for multinational companies. Multinational companies could strengthen their business and also enhance customer service through involving their diverse workforce. It means that multinational companies could make use of cultural sensitivity, language skills, market knowledge and information of business networks at their own countries to drive business growth. (Nataatmadia & Dyson, 2005). However, multinational companies will also have some problems or challenges. Communication in multinational companies would be a lot more difficult because they employ employees from various countries. People from different countries have different cultures; this is the reason why this factor could cause them to fail to understand each another. Moreover, companies which operate in various languages areas will have difficulties at communicating with the local employees because they speak different language. (Kundu, 2001). SICLI have problem in coping with the new management style after the company was acquired by Williams Holdings PLC. This company is a multinational company because it operates in many countries. Moreover, the company also employs workers from various countries. This is why they need to find out...
Words: 2676 - Pages: 11
...grabber. A tremendous 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...
Words: 1362 - Pages: 6
...Issues on diversity By: Derrick Brown BUS200 Workplace diversity is referred to as the variety of differences between all people in an organization which consist of race, sex, age, ethnic group, personality, education, cognitive style, tenure, organizational function, background and so forth. It not only involves the way people perceive themselves, but how they perceive others as well. Those perceptions affect their interactions with others. For a variety of employees from different ethnic backgrounds to function effectively as an organization, human resource professionals has the responsibility to deal effectively with issues such as communication, adaptability and the opposition to change. Diversity has increased significantly over the years and you will see many more companies adopting it in their organizations.. Many successful organizations have recognized the necessity for immediate action and are ready and willing to spend resources on managing diversity in the workplace as we speak. Individuals of different ethnic backgrounds have different values and attitudes. Cultural differences determine the observed differences in peoples work attitudes. The culture in a organization determines the ability of employees from other groups to perform within the organization. People from minority groups encounter challenges everyday facing stereotyping, discrimination, and prejudice. Prejudice can be defined as an adverse opinion, a preconceived idea or bias, or judgment...
Words: 912 - Pages: 4
...INTRODUCTION As we enter the 21st century, workforce diversity has become an essential business concern. In the so-called information age, the greatest assets of most companies are now on two feet. Undeniably, there is a talent war raging. No company can afford to unnecessarily restrict its ability to attract and retain the very best employees available. Although we all share many traits and needs, human beings are different and unique. While diversity has always existed, globalization, an increase in immigration, the sexual revolution and the output of the open formerly taboo subjects - such as living with a disability and gender preference - were placed in front -plan diversity of our concerns and the need to accept it. In the workplace, diversity encompasses elements that are evident, among other demographic differences such as gender, ethnicity and age, and more subtle differences, for example, the way we think or solve problems, social class or education. Because of the variety of backgrounds and approaches, it is not always easy for people to get along in the workplace (Diversityworld.com, 2014). However, it could be quite different. By learning to understand the challenges posed by differences and accept different points of view within your workgroup, you can use the strengths that represent a diverse team, in addition to expanding your horizons. Workforce diversity refers to organizations that are becoming more heterogeneous with the mix of people in terms of...
Words: 2686 - Pages: 11
...Question 1 Madam May May has to deal with an increasingly diverse group of workers in her department. Suggest ways on how she can manage diversity effectively in the work environment. Answer What is diversity? According to UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) diversity is "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 Madam May May needs to manage her subordinates with their physical abilities, gender, and sexual orientation. According to Organizational Behavior 14th edition, Robbins Judge, we aren’t all the same. This is obvious enough, but managers sometimes forget that they need to recognize and capitalize on these differences to get the most out of their employees. Effective diversity management increases an organization’s access to the widest possible pool of skills, abilities, and ideas. Differences among people can lead to miscommunication, misunderstanding, and conflict must also be recognized by the managers. Madam May May has some key roles to ensure the organization diversity be managed effectively in the environment. First key role is to know well or adapt the concept of the managing diversity concepts. Secondly, have recognition of diversity through every aspect of the management of threads. Thirdly, be aware of the sensitive issues, so we must be educated about the culture, race...
Words: 612 - Pages: 3
... What are some of the ways that Sodexo effectively manages diversity? Diversity Inc. constructed a list of 440 companies, and of the top fifty Sodexo was ranked number one (George & Jones, 2012, Chapter 4). Sodexo is considered the best company to work for minorities, women, veterans, and people with disabilities and the LGBT community. Diversity and inclusion are critical to the success of an organization through efficiency and effectiveness. Being that a business in any market is competitive, it is important for companies to embrace diverse employees who can provide the company with different perspectives, cultures, and solutions. Sodexo manages diversity through conducting mentoring programs, diversity training, various encouragement, and interaction. Different groups are constructed by managers that consisted of those unlike themselves to provide a place for people who share similar feelings and beliefs to come together. Employees can interact through these affinity groups that will increase cohesiveness, trust, and performance. Though Sodexo encourages managers to construct mentor groups they are also trained to assess the groups in regards to effectiveness (George & Jones, 2012, Chapter 4). “ twenty-five percent of top managers’ bonuses are based on how well they do on diversity initiatives such as the hiring and training of diverse employees” (George & Jones, 2012, Chapter 4) Companies who do not encourage diversity whether through training or environment...
Words: 1210 - Pages: 5
...Does workforce diversity always result in better organizational performance? In today’s global competitive environment, workforce diversity became a competitive edge that helps firms better understand different cultures and different ways of conducting business globally (“Benefits and problems”). Taylor Cox emphasized that increasing workforce diversity for better organizational performance is still an essential business issue that receives great attention, as “most of today's small business owners and corporate executives recognize that attention to the challenges and opportunities associated with the growing trend toward culturally diverse work forces can be a key factor in overall business success”. Rob McInnes identified 7 factors that motivate companies to diversify their workforces: As a Social Responsibility: companies exercise corporate social responsibility role by diversifying their workforces and supporting their good living. As an Economic Payback: “diversifying the workforce, particularly through initiatives like welfare-to-work, can effectively turn tax users into tax payers”. As a Resource Imperative: companies shouldn’t be hindered from attracting best talents available in the markets because of discriminatory practices. As a Legal Requirement: law requires companies not to be discriminatory in their employment practices or they will be exposed to penalties, as “fines and loss of contracts with government agencies”. As a Marketing Strategy: companies...
Words: 2740 - Pages: 11
...Abstract Diversity management practices are specific activities, programs, policies and any other formal processes designed to improve management of diversity via communication, education and training, employee-involvement, career management, accountability and cultural change. Overall, diversity management places emphasis on the development of organizational strategies and cultures that are not only tolerant of diversity but actively encourage flexibility and inclusion (Burke & Ng, 2006; Childs, 2005). Workforce diversity is increasing and managers need to develop ways to effectively manage the different views and characteristics of the new, diverse workforce. While there has been considerable research exploring the ‘value-in diversity’ approach, many questions remain unanswered. The evaluation of diversity programs remains an area for attention. While many firms have implemented diversity practices, it is difficult to measure the relationship between diversity practices and organizational performance outcomes. Recent research has explored the factors that moderate the relationship between diversity and performance (Grimes & Richard, 2003; Richard, 2000). Richard (2000: 174) concluded that diversity does add value to a firm but the effects of diversity “are likely to be determined by the strategies a firm pursues and by how organizational leaders and participants respond to and manage diversity”. Introduction Diversity is a commitment to recognizing...
Words: 2808 - Pages: 12
...interdisciplinary field dedicated to better understanding and managing people at work. OB is a horizontal discipline that cuts across virtually every job category, business function, and professional specialty (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2009). This paper will attempt to answer the question, what goes wrong in organizations. The first thing that goes wrong in organizations is the lack of knowledge of managers on how to manage diversity. Diversity represents the multitude of individual differences and similarities that exist among people. There are many different dimensions or components of diversity, which implies that diversity pertains to everybody. Diversity pertains to the host of individual differences that make all of us unique and different from others (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2009). Many organizations throughout the United States are unsure of what it takes to effectively manage diversity. Effectively managing diversity requires organizations to adopt a new way of thinking about differences among people. Rather than pitting one group against another, managing diversity entails recognition of the unique contribution every employee can make (Kinicki...
Words: 1138 - Pages: 5
