Define Diversity in the Workplace
Researchers at Cornell University's Industrial and Labor Relations School describe diversity in the workplace as an issue that focuses on the individual traits that people bring to an organization. They also say that diversity, in this context, reaches beyond the considerations of nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action to include a number of other important dimensions that influence people's identities and personal perspectives.
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Elements
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When a workplace environment is populated by persons who differ in obvious ways, such as by race, ethnicity, sex, language or religion, it is said to be diverse. Other factors, such as profession and level of education, whether a person is a parent or even a favorite kind of music, are also significant contributors to the diversity of a workplace environment. These identities determine to greater or lesser degrees a person's response to events, issues and relationships encountered within the workplace.
Benefits
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Access to a varied pool of talent and skill can have an incalculable positive effect on a business. It brings with it a range of different approaches to solving the problems of business that corresponds quite closely to the level of diversity, and the appreciation of it, within the group. Diversity opens up avenues for growth and development that would not be possible in a more homogeneous environment.
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Challenges
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Diversity of perspective can sometimes be fertile ground for antagonism and conflict. Lack of familiarity can result in ineffective communication, poor work and employee dissatisfaction. Companies wanting to enjoy the benefits of diversity need to manage this potential very carefully at every step, taking advantage of these diverse perspectives to find creative ways to harness and manage diversity for the benefit of employees and target markets.
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References
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