Diversity, workplace, cultural mentoring, organisation. The acceptance and management of cultural diversity have been promoted and touted as a positive tool in social and organizational engineering aimed at solving and preventing group dynamics problems in both business organizations and society as well. A diverse workforce can seize a larger consumer market segment. She noted the impacts of cultural diversity on problemsolving, decisionmaking. Racial and ethnic diversity in the workplace peoplescout. The answer to this question depends on the context. A diverse working culture benefits companies in countless ways. Feb 04, 2017 the answer to this question depends on the context. Our culture influences the way in which we see the world. Although, throughout time it has improved greatly, there are still some problems with diversity in the workplace. For starters, organizations that commit to recruiting a diverse workforce have a larger pool of applicants to choose from, which can lead to finding more qualified candidates and reducing the time it takes to fill vacant positions. Introduction workplace diversity is the issue of people, focus on the differences and similarities that people bring to an organization.
Benefits of diversity in the workplace gender, generation, culture greater consumer market share. The top 10 economic facts of diversity in the workplace. Among those disadvantages were increased ambiguity, complexity, and confusion. Challenges exist in guiding a population that differs in personalities and cultures, but. Managing diversity well provides a distinct advantage in an era when. Managing diversity well provides a distinct advantage in an era when flexibility and creativity are keys to competitiveness. That sounds simple, but diversity encompasses race, gender, ethnic group, age, personality, cognitive style, tenure, organizational function, education, background and more.
Managers should implement policies such as mentoring programs to provide associates access to information and opportunities. Companies that embrace and value these cultural differences can not only reduce conflict and increase regulatory compliance but also transform cultural diversity into a competitive advantage. Managing diversity is a key component of effective people management in the workplace black enterprise 2001. Diversity is not about differences among groups, but rather about dif. The research proven advantages to cultural diversity in the workplace include increased innovation, greater connection with diverse consumers, and increased ability to attract and retain diverse employees, to name a few. Pdf the acceptance and management of cultural diversity have been promoted. Employers have realized that workforce diversity provides both material and intangible benefits. Importance of cultural diversity in the workplace deputy. In order to answer the research question the author defined the following objectives of the study. Local market knowledge and insight makes a business more competitive. Embracing cultural diversity in the workplace is an important first step for businesses that want to be competitive on an international scale. Survey results that organisations are slowly awakening to the positive benefits available through a diverse workforce.
Cultural competence and benefits access introduction e very day thousands of benefits counselors help older adults of diverse ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds with limited income and resources to access benefits that help pay their health care, prescription, food. A diverse group has increased adaptability, a variety of viewpoints on an issue and innovation. Diversity in the workplace means that a companys workforce includes people of varying gender, age, religion, race, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion, languages, education, abilities, etc. The research proven advantages to cultural diversity in the workplace include increased innovation, greater connection with diverse consumers, and increased ability to attract and retain diverse. When youre involved in a situation characterized by cultural diversity, your cq is the multiplying force that predicts whether you experience positive or negative benefits from diversity. Looking at how leaders, managers and nonmanagerial employees view diversity, it.
When organizations actively assess their handling of workplace diversity issues, develop and implement diversity plans, multiple benefits are reported such as. Impact of workplace diversity society of interdisciplinary business. One of the clearest, though not as often quoted, benefits of a diverse workplace is that it is less likely that an employer will be the subject of. Companies who recruit and encourage individuals from a wide range of backgrounds generally gain a reputation for being a good employer. Regional culture differences in the workplace can present interesting challenges for u. There are many benefits to having a diverse workplace. From our research, we identified three different perspectives on workforce diversity that people embrace, each with different implications for a work groups ability to realize the benefits of its cultural diversity. Workplace diversity should be one of the top things businesses today should address.
The varying interpretations of the key words, used to define values and principles. Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization. Diversity in the workplace benefits and challenges. Here is a partial list of the positive impacts a diverse workforce has on businesses of all types. That sounds simple, but diversity encompasses race, gender, ethnic group, age, personality. Oct 12, 2015 here are a few of the top benefits or diversity in the workplace.
It is an important step for businesses looking to become competitive at a global level. Highereducated candidates who experienced diversity while at university may feel that a diverse company is more progressive and therefore will want to work there. It is your job to make the most of the diversity present in your company. Diversity in the workplace leads to a plethora of benefits. Pdf advantages and disadvantages of cultural diversity in the. The worlds increasing development requires more interaction between people from different backgrounds. Benefits, challenges, and the required managerial tools 2 advantages.
Stephen butler, cochair of the businesshigher education forum, believes diversity is an invaluable competitive asset robinson 2002. An introduction to culture and diversity in the workplace 2. Importance of cultural diversity in the workplace bizfluent. Pdf advantages and disadvantages of cultural diversity. Having a culturally diverse workforce can result in a competitive advantage for. The normal conflicts, gossiping and backbiting that occur soon after people come together in groups and or teams. But even today, although it has become part of the. We are live in an increasingly multicultural society. People no longer live and work in a narrowminded environment.
Workplace diversity despite having numerous benefits does have its flaws. Jan 25, 2020 embracing diversity also cuts down on legal costs. What are the advantagesdisadvantages of cultural diversity. Barriers and benefits of diversity in the workplace. Achieving cultural diversity in the workplace can be difficult, especially in certain fields and occupations. The cultural intelligence of the individuals on a diverse team determines whether the teams diversity promotes or deters innovation. What are the benefits of diversity in the workplace. This is because it allows a company to bring people from different backgrounds, thus enabling the organization to better understand the different cultures, races or genders that make up the consumer market. Mar 21, 2017 cultural diversity in the workplace occurs when a company hires employees from a variety of backgrounds, race, gender, age, or religion. However, your hr department has official duties regarding diversity and can provide advice or guidance if you have questions. Why workplace diversity is so important, and why its so. And the benefits of true workplace diversity are so obviously attractive that the challenges inherent in it simply have to be addressed.
Each of the potential advantages and disadvantages she listed is. According to a 2016 survey conducted by shrm, 43% of companies offer floating holidays which permit their employees to take time off because of their cultural or religious preferences. Economic globalization is one of the driving forces of cultural diversity in the workplace. The impact of workplace diversity on organisations core. The benefits of racial and ethnic diversity in the workplace. Lets look at the top 10 economic benefits of workplace diversity. And we hope that the four steps outlined above will, at. Hiring a diverse staff for your business creates a workforce that possesses a wide range of skills, talents and ideas. The responsibility for dealing with diversity issues belongs to every employee in the company.
Although associates are interdependent in the workplace, respecting individual differences can increase productivity. Workplace diversity despite having numerous benefits. There are many positive aspects to diversity in the workplace, such as exchange of. Here are a few of the top benefits or diversity in the workplace. Diversity in the workplace refers to an organization that intentionally employs a workforce comprised of individuals of varying gender, religion, race, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, and other attributes. And cultural diversity in the workplace, while valuable, can sometimes lead to challenges if employers arent aware of the key aspects of the culture and how to address them. Top 10 benefits of diversity in the workplace infographic. Diversity in the workplace leads to a plethora of benefits both from an internal and external perspective. Pdf advantages and disadvantages of cultural diversity in. Companies increasingly understand the value of recruiting and retaining diverse employees, as these workers play a critical role in a companys ability to adapt, grow and sustain a competitive advantage in the modern business landscape. Diverse workforce is a double edged sword that generates both. When youre involved in a situation characterized by cultural diversity, your cq is the multiplying force that predicts whether you experience positive or. Explain benefits and limitations of workplace diversity. We outline eight amazing benefits of cultural diversity in the workplace having a more diverse team has been proven to help your company in many ways.
The modern workforce is made up of people of different genders, ages, ethnicity, religions, and nationalities. The importance of diversity in the workplace there are clear signs in the latest leadership, employment and direction l. But it also has certain challenges you have to overcome to reap the benefits. Benefits, challenges, and the required managerial tools 3 where every member must listen and have the chance to speak, are good ways to create dialogues.
Diversity is beneficial to both associates and employers. In this way, diversity is a key ingredient to growing a strong and inclusive economy thats built to last. Second, managers must recognize their own cultural biases and prejudices koonce, 2001. It creates multiple layers of administrative management to juggle. Josh greenberg workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization. Here are some benefits of a workplace that hires teams. List of the disadvantages of diversity in the workplace. Diversity in the workplace can reduce lawsuits and increase marketing opportunities, recruitment, creativity, and business image. Youll also learn about actionnable tips you can use for your team and in your company.
When a workplace has a number of different demographics it gives the company a much broader skill set to draw upon, including cultural understanding and foreign language. Business advantages of diversity in the workplace the united states office of employment predicts that 29 percent of the u. Workplace cultural diversity and its advantages diversity. Inherent diversity is biological traits such as race, gender, and sexual orientation, while acquired diversity is things you gain from experience like religion, cultural experiences, and situations that make an impact on your thoughtprocess. The research question of the study is has workplace diversity contributed to organizational success.
May 24, 2019 benefits of diversity in the workplace gender, generation, culture greater consumer market share. Cultural diversity in the workplace can shape how employers operate. Its illegal for employers to discriminate against employees based on their cultural diversity. A company that embraces cultural diversity in the workplace would immediately entices a wider pool of candidates for its job vacancies. Diversity of values we all value different things in different ways. The modern workplace is a mosaic of different ideas, beliefs and opinions, which taken together create an atmosphere of cultural diversity. Challenges of diversity include communication problems, resistance to change, differences of opinions and stereotyping. Diverse cultural perspectives can inspire creativity and drive innovation. We discuss benefits and challenges of a diverse workplace. Businesses should prioritize hiring diverse employees because of the many great things associated with it. The effects of cultural diversity in the workplace clute journals. Achieving cultural diversity can require a nuanced level of understanding of your employees and your surrounding environment. More importantly, it estimates that from 1998 to 2008 some 41 percent of the people entering the u. The program was also developed to ensure that the message of the scanlon foundations taste of harmony campaign is translated into ongoing action at the enterprise level.
Todays post is from an article written by josh greenberg of alphameasure on the benefits and challenges relating to workplace diversity and inclusion. Individuals from diverse backgrounds can offer a selection of different talents, skills, and experiences, that may be of benefit to the organization and their work performance. The issue of managing cultural diversity is a primary concern for many international organisations. Benefits and disadvantages of diversity in the workplace. In other words, a diverse workforce includes people with different characteristics. From the virgin group to disney and pricewaterhousecoopers, organizations across industries are embracing the benefits of a diverse workforce. By defining key cultural values, employers can better understand their workforce and.
Increased innovation is the result of cultural diversity being positively. Cultural diversity brings together people with various skills, creativity and knowledge for effective productivity. The equal employment opportunity commission promotes equal opportunity and handles complaints about workplace discrimination. Federal laws prohibit workplace discrimination in six areas. Diversity in the workplace is an issue that still goes on today. Faculty of health sciences, durban university of technology kev words abstract. Sep 05, 2018 explore the 3 most powerful benefits of diversity in the workplace. Another benefit of cultural diversity in the workplace is the positive reputation that the company would receive.
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