Managing Diversity - 1891 Words

Introduction Thirty years ago discrimination was a part of normal business activity. Work place diversity meant hire outside of your family not outside of your race. As a result, the federal government felt impelled to create employment laws. These new laws were implemented to eliminate discrimination and provide the means for advancement. As a consequence of this implementation, these laws have created possible barriers to maximizing the potential of every employee (Chan, 2000). Recently, the concept of diversity has completely changed from before. It is predicted that by the year 2005, women, minorities, and the disabled will dominate the workforce (Managing Diversity, 1999). Organizations that are viewed as biased against†¦show more content†¦Managing diversity is managing human resource needs, says Ben Harrison. (Jenner, 1994). Human resource personnel alone can t do the work of managing diversity. All levels of managers should implement programs designed to heighten awareness of cu ltural differences, foster appreciation for these differences, and identify the commonalties among the various ethnic groups. Managing diversity is an effort that will involve all members of the company In order to reap the fruits of diversity. The process should start by including managing diversity into the overall strategy, this will promote cultural synergy and effectively integrating the better elements associated with multiple cultures. This tactic will help in aiding of identifying and implementing of new practices in companies with diverse units. - Differences in Affirmative Action and managing diversity Most people do not understand the meaning of workplace diversity. They believe one is talking about Equa1 Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action programs (Jenner, 1994). Managing diversity differs from these programs in five (5) ways: 1. It is a mutual adjustment process for the manager, organization, and the employee. 2. It centers on maximizing employees potential. 3. It places priority on naturally changingShow MoreRelatedEssay about Managing Diversity in the Workplace1449 Words   |  6 Pagesorganizations need diversity to become more creative and open to change. Maximizing and capitalizing on workplace diversity has become an important issue for management today (UCSF). Workplace diversity refers to having a variety of different types of people working together within a place of business. Employee gender, race, religion, sexual preference, physical appearance, family or marital status, education, culture, personality, or tenure establishes diversity in the workplace. 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