Diversity Is Slowly Becoming a Common Feature - Essay Example

That means, it not only includes the traditional categories of race and gender, but also people with disabilities, various sexual orientations, and other non-traditional categories considered having “diversity of thought” or those from different disciplines, college degrees, socio-economic backgrounds, etc.

            It was Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. who inspired the concept of diversity when he advocated that people should be judged by their character, not by the color of their skin.  This propelled lawmakers to come up with laws that provide equal opportunity to all (Mor Barak, 2000).  These laws have been designed to protect anyone from being discriminated against because of sex, marital status, ethnic or national origin, color, race, nationality, age, disability, religion, and differing terms of employment, including pay for jobs of equal value. 

 “Equal opportunity” is a means by which a person receives equal access in society. The “Equal opportunities approach” is premised on the principle that all people can avail of certain rights or privileges such as education, employment, health care, or other welfare services without any discrimination or any preference whatsoever. Different organizations now apply various equal opportunity practices, which consist of several means used to provide fair conditions for all their members in the process of employment and work (Equal Opportunities, 2006).

his current trend of embracing diversity has given birth to the concept of “the inclusive workplace”.  Mor Barak (2000) defines it as one that:

“values and uses individual and intergroup differences within its workforce; cooperates with and contributes to its surrounding community;  alleviates the needs of disadvantaged groups in its wider environment; and collaborates with individuals, groups, and organizations across national and cultural boundaries” (pp. 339-340).

Resistance to change and refusal to come out of comfort zones to embrace newness and integrate it into the familiar may lead to discrimination as a justification for such non-acceptance.  In workplaces with highly diversified employees, conflicts are bound to ensue.  These conflicts are mainly caused by managers’ and employees’ attitudes and behavior.  Even in today’s “politically correct” environments, prejudice and stereotypes (biased views) and discrimination (biased behaviors) either overt or covert prevent the successful implementation of inclusive policies at the workplace.  Such obstacles usually suffered by women, older adults, ethnic and racial minority groups, homosexuals, and the disabled include lack of support in their career planning, guidance of these nontraditional employees that is necessary for job advancement, and a lonely and unsupportive work environment (Morrison, 1992).

Valuing diversity goes beyond the golden rule of treating others as you wish to be treated yourself, because it involves a higher behavior, one that is receiver-centered rather than self-centered” (Mor Barak, 2000, p. 344).  It entails treating others the way they wish to be treated.  This may be a huge management challenge, however, if it is not willing to confront the overwhelming task of moving toward an inclusive workplace, then diversity-related goals may not be appropriately set.

Mead (1994) summarizes some guidelines for managing diversity in the workplace and motivating these diverse workers in the performance of their tasks in the organization.  The first is to value the exchange of alternative points of view.  This fosters thinking “out of the box” and brings fresh perspectives into organizational thinking.  Another guideline is to tolerate uncertainty in group processes.  This may even strengthen the bond of the members as they strive to pursue the best options together and cooperating to come up with a group decision is key.  Still, another one is to respect each other’s experiences and share one’s own, as this enriches each other’s knowledge and possibly increases understanding and tolerance of differences.  Finally, use exposure to other cultural values as an opportunity for learning.  Everyone stands to gain from learning about others.