Diversity in the Workplace

Wong, S. (2008, Summer). Diversity - making space for everyone at NASA/Goddard space flight center using dialogue to break through barriers. Human Resource Management, 47(2), 389-399. Business Source Complete.

Although it is one of the most difficult concepts to understand because of its ties to an individual’s beliefs, perceptions, and experiences, diversity is a vital concept to today’s business environment. A diverse workplace creates an environment where everyone feels included and an important part of the success of the company. It also puts the company on the short list of places employees and applicants alike would like to work for. NASA/Goddard realized they needed to create a more diverse workforce to make them more competitive in the current marketplace.

“Goddard employees respect, appreciate, and value individual differences so that we can capitalize on the strengths of a diverse workforce to better perform our mission through teamwork and innovation” (Wong, 2008, para.).

The company created a Diversity Strategic Plan to develop employees to their maximum potential; create an inclusive environment/culture’ and work toward being an employer of choice. NASA/Goodard succeeded in implementing its plan though several specific and deliberate initiatives. One such initiative is the Diversity Dialogue Project. The project created an environment where employees could discuss topics such as religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. The sessions were two-hour biweekly sessions over a 12-week period.

Supervisors can use the project as a basis for their diversity programs because it includes the most important rule in creating a diverse environment – include the employees. A diversity program that does not include participation and input from employees is not diverse.