How to Manage Workplace Diversity

How to Manage Workplace Diversity

In every workplace, diversity means bringing people together of different ethnic backgrounds, religions and age groups into a productive unit. Diversity is much broader than a lot of people think. Diversity is human qualities that are different from our own and outside the groups to which we belong to. In order for a company to survive they need to be able to manage and utilize workplace diversity effectively. Maintaining a positive work environment is a must in managing diversity. Managers need to respect and accept each individual equally. Every individual is unique and has differences that involve understanding. Managers need to practice mutual respect for qualities and experiences that are differ than their own.

Since diversity in the workplace in increasing, discrimination should not exist and needs to be prevented. Discrimination occurs in the workplace by paying someone less, giving them no benefits, and giving them opportunity for a promotion. “They promote resentment, poor work ethic, victim mentality, entitlement behavior, and yes, even racism. They undermine personal responsibility and accountability. They reduce organizational productivity and effectiveness. And they’re slowly eroding the foundation of our nation and our competitiveness in an increasingly global marketplace. Don’t get me wrong. Civil rights, women’s rights, equal opportunity, it’s all good. It’s sad that they didn’t happen sooner. But things change. Organizations change. Cultures change. And when that happens, even the most altruistic goals and strategies can have unintended consequences that reinforce the wrong behavior.”( http://www.foxbusiness.com/business-leaders/2013/05/14/truth-about-diversity-and-discrimination/) Every one needs to be treated as an equal and for the qualities on the inside and not their appearance on the outside. It is the skills in the knowledge an individual needs for a job position. Smart business leaders need to be...