Assignment 2 Designing a Diversity Training Program

DESIGNING A DIVERSITY TRAINING PROGRAM

Design a Diversity Training Program In the Workplace

Sharon Denice Travis

Assignment # 2

MBA 622 – People Management

Dr. Kelly Bruning

September 13, 2009

Abstract

Diversity plays a very important role in success of an organization. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual (free dictionary). In order for a company to survive and prosper in an increasingly society, organizations must capitalize on employee diversity as a source of completive advantage. The debate over how to deal with diversity has become highly charged and politicized. Therefore, companies have to design a diversity training program to raise awareness, understanding for cross-cultural issues as well as for areas of sexual orientation, age, gender, ethnicity, race, religion and mental or physical disability.

Design a Diversity Training Program In the Workplace

One of the greatest challenges facing organizations today is managing workforce diversity in a way that both respects the employees' unique attitudes and promotes a shared sense of corporate identity. Diversity can make a company better and stronger. Diversity brings in fresh ideas, perspectives, experiences and life responsibilities, and fosters a truly collaborative workplace. Diversity workshops with interactive training exercises provide an effective method for breaking down boundaries and opening up a world...