While diversity is often a term used to refer specifically to cultural differences, diversity applies to all the qualities that make people different. From a management perspective, the key to diversity is to understand how different types of diversity and different demographic characteristics can impact human behavior. The four types of diversity that will be examined are: occupation, differences in skills and abilities, personality traits, and value and attitudes. For each type of diversity, the impact on individual behavior will be described.
One type of diversity is occupation. For example, an individual in a professional occupation is more likely to make his or her own decisions and is also more
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The same employee may have had close relationships with subordinates before they became supervisor. This example shows how occupation impacts behavior and how a change in position can alter individual behavior. The next type of diversity is differences in skills and abilities. One of the most important factors when considering skills and abilities is that individuals will often adapt their behavior so they are making use of what they consider their positive skills and abilities. For example, consider the case of an individual who believes that they have very effective written communication skills but very poor oral communication skills. This individual is likely to adapt his or her behavior so they write as much as possible, while avoiding communicating orally. As a specific example, this individual might prepare memos or write emails as a way of communicating with their employees, instead of having a meeting with employees. This illustrates how people tend to adapt their behavior so they are using their positive qualities, while avoiding having to use their weaker skills and abilities. Another type of diversity is personality traits. Personality traits are defined as "recurring patterns of behavior such as friendliness, social dominance, conventionality, emotional adjustment, and aesthetic inclination" (Seamon & Kenrick, 1994). As this definition shows, personality traits are actually defined because of the observed behavior they result in. The link
Diversity is something described between the differences of two individuals. Diversity means that all individuals showed be respected and valued, therefore you must be aware of the individual’s differences and must not barricade the way they have been cared for. It is you knowing and looking after an individual with full understanding of the difference in their personal characteristics. It is also when you encourage those differences and use them in different cohesive communities and in an effective work force. It is important that you recognise that each
Diversity – In the literal sense the word ‘diversity’ means different. Through diversity we recognise the uniqueness of the individual and value these differences. Diversity can consist of factors which include personal characteristics such as background, culture, personality and work-style. However, certain characteristics are protected under discrimination such as gender, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, disability and age.
Dr. Seuss once said, “Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one else who is youer than you.” I think this statement makes a great testament to the greatness of being a diversified people. People are classified negatively by their race, gender, economic status, and many more categories, but what someone views as a weakness just might be another’s strength. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines diversity as “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements, especially the inclusion of different types of people in a group or organization.” I agree with this definition, but I don’t know that it fully covers the multiple aspects that go into the topic of diversity. My experiences this semester in class, in my observation hours, and in my diversity hours have allowed me to see a wider definition of diversity than I ever knew.
Diversity refers to an array of differences among individuals, groups, and communities (Pearson, p.1629, 2015).
Diversity in any organisation includes hiring and promoting a workforce of people with differences. These differences include race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical abilities and economic backgrounds. The premise of a diverse workplace is that employees are
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines diversity as “the inclusion of different types of people (as people of different race or cultures) in a group or organization.” For a human resource professional, it is the “variety of experiences and perspective which arise from differences in
There are many types of diversity, racial, ethnic, cultural, age, gender, and geographic. But diversity can also include
Introduction: Diversity can be defines as the characteristics that people possess from different backgrounds, cultures, traditions and habits. Diversity can be more subscribed as the similarities and differences that groups or individuals might have. Race, gender, ethnicities, cultural and economic status and many more can be considered as traits that differentiate people from each other’s
When one speak of the word diversity, odds are the first thing that comes to mind is either race or gender, when in fact it is a whole lot more that can be considered and not just race alone. It can be diverse ideas, diverse training, diverse cultural, diverse academic abilities, and diverse skills. Diversity Management is the practice of recognizing and supporting multiple lifestyles and personal characteristics within a group of people. In today’s workplace diversity is not a norm but also an encouraged workplace makeup from employees, shareholders, government, and employers. Diversity
The class lectures have covered so many topics including Business Basics, Motivation, Organizational Structures, Job design, and many other topics. Among those topics, we have learned about “Diversity.” Diversity is defined as the state of heterogeneity, variety, difference, and multiform. In our daily life, most people, especially women have dealt with diversity in workplace, society, and private life. Some families, mostly Asians, still have stereotypes of women should have lower statuses or education than men do.
Diversity includes knowing how to relate to those qualities and conditions that are different from our own and outside the groups to which we belong, yet are present in other individuals and groups. These include but are not limited to age, ethnicity, class, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, as well as religious status, gender expression, educational background, geographical location, income, marital status, parental status, and work experiences. (Queensborough Community College, n.d.)
Before we start out with this section, I want to clarify what diversity is to an organization. Diversity is described in our textbook in a variety of ways. One definition for deep-level diversity is differences in values, personalities, and work preference that becomes progressively more important for determining similarities as people get to know one another better. Another definition is called surface level diversity which involves easily perceived characteristics such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, or disability that could contribute to a variety of stereotypes.
Diversity can include race, gender, culture, religion, age, physical disabilities, height, education level, income level, geographical location, technical abilities, socioeconomic background, personality characteristics, and values (Verma, 2015). With such a vast array of possible differences among the employees within an organization, it is important that there is care put into ensuring equal treatment for all. The employees in leadership roles must have the skillset necessary to build on the skills of their subordinates. Leadership must be able to focus more on the strengths employees possess and utilize those for growth opportunities for the company. There are many positive opportunities that can come from diversity, unfortunately it can also be the cause of many
Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization. Workplace diversity is about acknowledging differences and adapting work practices to create an inclusive environment in which diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds are valued. It is about understanding the individual differences in the people we work with that arise from a broad range of backgrounds and lifestyles, and recognizing the value of using those different perspectives, ideas and ways of working to enhance the quality and outcomes of work. Our diversity is shaped by a variety of characteristics including age, ethnicity, gender, disability, language,
According to Thomas (1992), dimensions of workplace diversity include, but are not limited to: age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, educational background, geographic location, income, marital status, military experience, religious beliefs, parental status, and work experience.