Diversity in Organizations and the Bottom Line - Coursework Example

A concept of purpose and a sense of direction strengthen an organization’s ability to survive in changing circumstances and environment. In organizations, large numbers of people congregate under one roof in joint pursuit of purpose. The organization then sets itself up to harness the creativity of the people for maximum effectiveness. A primary business objective is being profitable, and managers must explain and justify business performance and decisions in light of this objective (Toulmin, Rieke, & Janik, 1984).

In this regard, there have been several studies which support that managing diversity in organizations contribute to profitability. diverse business situations will undoubtedly have effects on both the corporate bottom line and on one’s own career prospects”. It is in this regard that this essay is written primarily to evaluate theories and concepts surrounding diversity in organizations in terms of its effect or contribution to the corporate bottom line. Specifically, this paper aims to answer the following questions: (1) what specific aspects make an organization diverse? (2) What value does a diverse, versus a homogenous, organizational culture have to the bottom line? (3) What value does a diverse workforce offer individual workers?

And finally, (4) what organizational policies and procedures need to be in place to create and support a diverse workforce? DiTomaso (1999) revealed that there are several factors which influence diversity in organizations, to wit: “(a) the changing demographic structure of the U.S., (b) the increased importance of globalization to profits and long-term survival in many companies, and (c) changes in the structure of how work gets done”. An organization, being composed of different people should take into account the following diversity attributes: race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, physical abilities, age and generation, region, industry, occupation, function, department, project, educational background, work experience, dominant/non-dominant culture and religion, from among others.