One of the biggest problems with implementing Diversity within organizations is when you get buy in from the workforce which, normally happens to be from those outside of the main Middle Class White corporate structure. You normally find this because of course, there is something in it for them; they are the ones who normally feel that they are not getting a fair crack at the whip, for career progression and climbing the corporate ladders.
Due to legislation, social pressure and human resource management procedure more and more corporations are paying attention to Diversity and having official Diversity programs within their structure. What we find is that someone from Human Resources is charged with taking this initiative forward within the organization, they in turn will get buy in from individuals from the different Dimensions Of Diversity. These individuals see this as a great way of getting their voice heard within the immediate and wider organization and willingly put time and energy into the Diversity Initiative.
Here is when the problem comes in, for Diversity to be successful i.e. for its principles, initiatives and processes to penetrate the organization it must be mentioned and seen to be integral to all of the organization's strategic objectives. For this to happen it is imperative for the management team to be advocates of Diversity. They must be seen to be backing the Human Resources Diversity program and giving backing to those from the different Dimensions Of Diversity who are keen to see Diversity implemented throughout the organization.
Unfortunately, often this backing and voicing of Diversity is seen to be lacking from those from the management team due to many factors. Many managers are happy for Human Resources to get on with implementing the Diversity program as long as it does not interfere with what their management practices. Often the (largely Middle Class White Male) management team live in a different world to those who feel their careers have not been able to flourish due to the fact that the organization does not cater for their particular Dimension of Diversity in terms of them progressing their careers.
When the management team is seen by all to be advocates of Diversity, to be involved in the Diversity team meetings, to be willing to be coached and to learn how the employees from the differing Dimensions Of Diversity see they world. First they themselves as managers will be in a better position to modify their behaviors to be able to better communicate with the employees from the differing Dimensions of Diversity and then be in a better position to coach and explain to all employees why it is imperative that Diversity be implemented within the organization.
Indeed, Diversity should not be seen as something to be feared or something which is going to upset the working of the organization but in fact when implemented effectively throughout organizations diversity will add to the bottom line as in time the organization's marketing strategy will be impacted to more effectively reach different segments of society, stress levels should be seen to drop and Human Resources should have less Diversity related issues to deal with as managers become more able to deal with those within their teams who are not like themselves.
In conclusion, with globalization only set to integrate the world even more, with employees from division from differing parts of the world moving to work in other divisions and multi cultural and multi lingual teams on the increase Diversity is only set to rise on the agenda of today's corporations. With this in mind managers are invited and encouraged to embrace Diversity, get into the minds of their employees and in turn be advocates of Diversity within the organization and in turn be part of a positive impact of the bottom line.
Cultural diverstiy within your business is an opportunity and needs to be embraced as one. Just take a look around you. Opportunity abounds because our world is a diverse place. Whether you have come to realize it or not as a small business owner, your awareness and respect of cultural diversity in the workplace truly matters to your employees and your client base. If you want your business to be successful and competitive in the future, you will have to utilize these human resources and participate in these diversity trends. As we move further along in the 21st century, it will be necessary for business owners to compete in a more global arena. And that will apply to even the smallest small business. Because whether your company is global or not you will eventually have to compete with those that are.
Successfully managing cultural diversity in the workplace is a challenge, but one that can be overcome and taken advantage of. The people you hire will always have diverse cultural backgrounds. And that culture is not just based on the color of their skin. They come from different countries, states, regions, and neighborhoods. They can tell you things about places you've probably never been and are not likely to visit anytime soon. They'll be of different genders and social backgrounds. And they'll things know of things that can impact your business either now or in the future.
Cultural diversity in the workplace can help improve the company's competitive position in the marketplace. Marketing programs nowadays are constantly geared toward individual ethnic groups. Take as an example the changes that big box stores like Sears and Walmart are making. Once upon a time they believed that what sold well in places like Green Bay, Wisconsin and Seattle, Washington would sell just as well in San Antonio, Texas, and San Diego, California. They didn't care about who the actual consumers in those areas were.
Everybody buys the same things right? So all of their locations would be shipped the same things. Well they've since woken up to the truth. Different cultures demand different products! Now many of the largest chains in the world have given their stores the ability and resources to buy locally.
The management of cultural diversity in the workplace can be considered a response to the need to recognize, respect and capitalize on the different backgrounds in our society in terms of race, ethnicity, and gender. Whether you've noticed or not every single day you are exposed to different forms of cultural diverstiy. From what you watch, where you eat, and the places you visit.
Your business is a team, and it needs to take advantage of its strengths while minimizing its weaknesses. Differences among members of a team can work to strengthen the bonds that they form with clients throughout the world. Ethnic diversity in the workplace enables businesses to serve a broader base of clients with ease. Workers can better relate with clients because more often than not your clients are likely to be just as diverse as you. In diversity you will find that your clients and you share a lot of common ground. In diversity you'll find strength!
Businesses that have incorporated diverse training into their strategies have found that the benefits of incorporating diverse talent into the workforce not only improves productivity, but also creates a well balanced pool of knowledge, experience and creativity. Promoting diversity within the workplace can produce lasting results. Results that will reverberate within your business for many years to come.
Promoting cultural and ethnic diversity in the workplace should begin before you hire even your first employee. You need to realize the strength that can be added to your organization by embracing it!
Article Source :
About Author
Both Stephen Campbell & are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Stephen Campbell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Psychology, Email Advertising and Personal Development Plan. Stephen C Campbell (MBA, MSc, MCIM) has worked on diversity programs throughout Europe, Far East & U.S. whilst employed in the corporate sector. He now runs a Business Consultancy and has a keen interest in working with corporations on the link between Di. Stephen Campbell's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.
has sinced written about articles on various topics from . . 's top article . to your Favourites.