Strategies to Manage Diversity

Human Resource Strategies
to Manage Workforce Diversity
ELLEN ERNST KOSSEK, SHARON A. LOBEL
AND JENNIFER BROWN

  1. Propose

This document will explore what a company can do to foster diversity in the workplace. The business case highlights the development and implementation of organizational initiatives that could:

      A increase the numerical representation of historically excluded groups,

      B empower a diverse workforce once it is in place to participate fully in organizational decision making,

      C ensure the inclusion of a diverse workforce in every aspect of organizational life[1]

  2. Introdution

In an ideal world, every person is treated equally when it comes to getting a job, advancing in his or her career and being treated fairly in the workplace. Unfortunately, discrimination still exists in hiring, firing and promotions; and the diversity of the workforce regrettably can cause hostility in the workplace when individuals do not appreciate and respect the differences among themselves and their co-workers.

Businesses that promote diversity in today's global marketplace are better able to attract and retain the best talent. Employing a diverse workforce allows a company to utilize the potential within the job market to its fullest and contributes to overall economic growth and prosperity. Differences among co-workers should not divide a workplace. Rather, differences among co-workers should be used to foster creativity and innovation, thereby driving profitability and business success.

  3. Diversity - What Is It?

Traditionally, diversity refers to an assortment of races, ethnicities, genders, ages, disabilities and perhaps sexual orientations. A definition of diversity, however, should not be constrained by traditional categories such as these. Such a definition should also include categories such as religion, educational level, life experience, geographic location, socio-economic background, marital status and... [continues]

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