Diversity in Your Company or Organization - Essay Example

Running Head: DIVERSITY IN ORGANIZATION Diversity in Organization of the of the Diversity in Organization I have been working with my current employer for just over a month. In that short time, I have observed a great deal about my new work environment. This particular organization has been the leading, original electronics manufacturer in the Northwest for the last few years, but considering that the majority of its staff is comprised of new hires, I would say there is still plenty of room in which to improve organizationally.

Although I may not be the most content with where I am at in my career at this point in time, I am still quite blessed to work for an organization that strives to communicate effectively, promotes diversity, and has processes and strategies in place for managing conflict.Organizational DiversityMy organization is one of the many beginning to actively promote diversity education and awareness in the workplace. Ideally, every person should be treated equally when it comes to getting a job, advancing in their career, and being treated fairly in the workplace.

Realistically, this is often not the case (Workplace Diversity for African, Hispanic (Latino), and Asian Americans, 2004). According to Gingrich, many times the "talents and skills of [diverse] persons often go unrecognized" (2000, p. 14). My organization makes it a point to recognize everyones abilities and talents across a variety of orientations and to give credit where it is due. We hire and promote people of all different races, cultures, backgrounds, sexual orientations, and people with special needs, as well as others who can contribute specific skills and talents to the organization.

My company is proof that "diversity contributes to the bottom line by making it easier to retain good employees, lowering costs by developing skills in-house, and developing a reputation that helps attract new employees" (Corporate Culture and Diversity, 2004).It is a privilege to be a part of a company that comes very close to truly defining the phrase melting pot, a locality in which a blending of races, peoples or cultures takes place (Random House Websters Dictionary, 1998). Although it is admirable that we, as an organization, are so aware of diversity in the workplace and continue promoting it, diversity is not always easy for every individual in the organization to appreciate.

Yes, our employees do value and embrace the differences of those around them. However, it has become apparent to me in this organization that diversity can also have an adverse affect within an organization. I am finding that although we are a diverse group of people, we also tend to segregate ourselves into ethnic communities within the workplace. Filipinos stick to their own kind, as do the Russians and the Chinese; the elderly do the same, separating themselves from the younger employees. I understand that the segregation of ethnic communities is not unusual as most people tend to group themselves with others with whom they share similarities while avoiding people who are different.

Its often comfortable to be among people who are like us, and identifying by similar traits can provide a sense of belonging and community. However, one would think that for a company who makes such an effort to bring their employees together, there would be less segregation, which in turn, can lead to potential conflict.In conclusion, there is still a great deal for me to learn and observe at my new organization. Again, I do feel very blessed to be around so many different people and to have the opportunities to work with them all one-on-one and face-to-face.

I am more aware of my fellow coworkers and their needs and expectations and have a better understanding of why they act and respond in their own special ways. I realize the important of understanding how to deal with conflict appropriately and effectively and how these processes affect everyone in the organization, not just the parties directly involved in the conflict itself. In observing all these areas in my organization, I hope to have a better understanding of our strengths and weaknesses as an organization and plan on contributing to the progression and continued success of my company in my role as human resources professional.

References Corporate Culture and Diversity. (2004). Ethnic Majority. Retrieved October 4, 2006, from http://www.ethnicmajority.com/corporate_diversity.htmGingrich, B. (2000). Individual and organizational accountabilities; Reducing stereotypes and prejudice within the workplace. Retrieved October 2, 2006, from University of Phoenix, Week Two, rEsource. MGT331-Organizational Behavior Web site. Random House Websters Dictionary (3rd ed.). (1998). New York, NY: Random House. Workplace Diversity for African, Hispanic (Latino), and Asian Americans. (2004). Ethnic Majority.

Retrieved on October 4, 2006, from http://www.ethnicmajority.com/workplace.htm