Discuss the primary impact of diversity on organizationsSolution.pdf
- 1. Discuss the primary impact of diversity on organizations Solution Ans: A DEFINITION OF DIVERSITY Diversity is the presence of people from a wide range of backgrounds and possessing different traits. Differences in age, race, ethnic origin, culture, physical abilities, religion and sexual orientation are just some possible contributors to diversity. Though generally regarded as a good thing for a workplace, diversity poses significant challenges for company leaders. Primary Dimensions The inner circle shows the primary dimensions of diversity - those that are fundamental to a persons' self-concept or core self. These dimensions, though not necessarily visible,are unchangeable in that they are not a matter of choice. They form the basis on which people make instantaneous judgments about one another, often through the process of stereotyping. Diversity Management Diversity management is a concept that has emerged in the early 21st century as the United States has become more diverse, causing organizations to become more diverse as well. To make diversity work, companies typically need to offer some diversity training and proactively manage the workplace to promote tolerance and acceptance of differences. Cultural awareness and sensitivity training are the two common general components in a diversity training program. Diversity Benefits A number of important benefits are recognized in a well-managed diverse workplace. Workplaces in which employees represent the basic makeup of the community population are typically better received by customers and the public. Additionally, diverse work groups often have more and better ideas because of broader backgrounds and experiences. Ethnic and cultural diversity often help companies that operate globally to better understand global markets. Diversity Challenges You cannot simply put a group of people together with vast differences and expect them to immediately get along well. Many people are unfamiliar with other cultures and have never had to learn to coexist and collaborate with people from completely different backgrounds. This is why diversity training is so important to the process. Diverse work groups often experience more conflict upfront than groups that share more similarities. Management Influence
- 2. Managers should not only offer training, but top management and front-line managers in a diverse organization have to set the tone for an effective culture. This means promotion of a nondiscriminatory work environment, and fair treatment of all workers in the hiring process, job conditions, work evaluations and promotions. Company leaders who proactively support diversity-based organizations or get their companies involved in supporting diverse organizations serve their workplaces even more.