Diversity in Organizations

Diversity in Organizations

BUS610: Organizational Behavior

February 2, 2012

Diversity in Organizations

Diversity in an organization can be beneficial or challenging to management. Its impact on employee behavior towards other employee cultures can be positive or negative. Global expansions of organizations result in cultural mergers that will play a vital role in the operation of the business. Knowledge and understanding of cultural differences will provide managers with the tools to solve culturally motivated managerial issues.

Diversity in Organizations

Diversity in organizations is more prevalent today than in past years. It is defined as “The host of individual differences that make people different from and similar to each other” (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2009, pg. 97). The various cultural demographics have forced organizations to pay more attention to employee attitudes and perceptions cultures other than their own. Cl. Chavez and J.Y.Weisinger (2008) believe that diversity within an organization has its benefits, however management still encounter challenges in spite of extensive training and resources provided by the organization. Organizations trying to create an inclusive environment must be respectful of the beliefs, personalities, and opinions of its employees (Turnbull, Greenwood, Tworoger, & Golden, 2010). In return, employees will have an idea of how their actions impact the actions of others.

The decision to create a diverse-oriented culture is based on the outcome of member interaction. “There are researchers who believe that employees in ethnically diverse settings have a difficult time establishing positive relationships with each other” (Brouwer & Boros, 2010, par. 4). People who share similar characteristics will find it easy to interact, while those who share no similarities may develop anxiety. There is also the possibility of feeling that their values are less important than those of others. This can result in negative...