Free Essays on Diversity In The Workplace

Organizational Behavior STAYING AFLOAT IN THE STORMY SEAS OF DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT INTRODUCTION While the benefits of diversity in the workplace have long been trumpeted, businesses would do well to consider the problems surrounding diversity and diversity training. Research into the subject reveals startling and costly problems that can arise if the subject is handled wrong. A focused approach is necessary to avoid any one of the problems that can lead to disaster for a business. The first of these problems is that managers face an automatic uphill battle: most employees, minority and majority groups alike, are largely distrustful of diversity training. This effect is multiplied by the tightrope walk of neither over- or under-emphasizing diversity, with either extreme leading to resentment and ineffectiveness. This is possibly the biggest danger in diversity training and helps explain the controversy of whether or not diversity is really good for business. Many companies using ineffective programs have either seen no advantage or worse, the programs have caused the opposite effect of resentment and a fractured corporate culture. While sustaining this balancing act, managers must also face pressure from above. During the economic downturn of the last few years businesses have cut spending across the board. In this environment expensive diversity programs have been among the first areas that businesses look to scale back in order to conserve. The final challenge facing diversity programs is a new dimension in diversity programs. Learning the etiquette and customs of other cultures becomes necessary as companies look to expand into the global market. The sheer complexity and breadth of knowledge needed to operate on an international scale promises to bring the subject to the forefront of diversity programs in the next decade. RESEARCH Employee cynicism is the first hurdle that diversity managers must ov... Free Essays on Diversity In The Workplace Free Essays on Diversity In The Workplace Diversity in the Workforce Diversity is the things about people that make them different, not just culturally but human differences. Having a multitude of differences in the workforce gives an organization the ability to utilize many ideas to reach one common goal. One could say that a diverse group of people together in one room can accomplish greater achievements than a room filled with the same types of individuals. In the workforce diversity can be gender differences, age, education levels, and marital status. Diversity in the workplace can also create diversity in the other areas of life. When companies value diversity it gives the organization the ability to utilize the opinions and viewpoints of all it employees to create a better working environment as well as allowing the employees to know that the company they represent cares about its workers. Manager?s understand this concept of diversity and how important diversity is to the success of a companies ability to implement programs that continues to de velop a harmonious and diverse workplace. According to Daft (2003) such programs that ?builds a corporate culture that values diversity; changing structures, policies, and systems to support diversity, and providing diversity awareness training? (p.450). Cultural change starts with the CEO?s, the presidents, as well as top managers. They are the leaders of organizations. Managers should first educate themselves of different cultures and the behaviors of people, how they interact with one another. Managers can utilize this information to understand the behaviors of their employees. They can also get to know different cultures so that there are no bias opinions about a particular group of people. Employees want to know that the organization they are with will be concerned with their personal needs as well as continuing to provide a comfortable work environment no matter what their cultural background is. Centuries ago, workin... Free Essays on Diversity In The Workplace Organizational Behavior STAYING AFLOAT IN THE STORMY SEAS OF DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT INTRODUCTION While the benefits of diversity in the workplace have long been trumpeted, businesses would do well to consider the problems surrounding diversity and diversity training. Research into the subject reveals startling and costly problems that can arise if the subject is handled wrong. A focused approach is necessary to avoid any one of the problems that can lead to disaster for a business. The first of these problems is that managers face an automatic uphill battle: most employees, minority and majority groups alike, are largely distrustful of diversity training. This effect is multiplied by the tightrope walk of neither over- or under-emphasizing diversity, with either extreme leading to resentment and ineffectiveness. This is possibly the biggest danger in diversity training and helps explain the controversy of whether or not diversity is really good for business. Many companies using ineffective programs have either seen no advantage or worse, the programs have caused the opposite effect of resentment and a fractured corporate culture. While sustaining this balancing act, managers must also face pressure from above. During the economic downturn of the last few years businesses have cut spending across the board. In this environment expensive diversity programs have been among the first areas that businesses look to scale back in order to conserve. The final challenge facing diversity programs is a new dimension in diversity programs. Learning the etiquette and customs of other cultures becomes necessary as companies look to expand into the global market. The sheer complexity and breadth of knowledge needed to operate on an international scale promises to bring the subject to the forefront of diversity programs in the next decade. RESEARCH Employee cynicism is the first hurdle that diversity managers must ov...