Defining Diversity: the Evolution of Diversity
DEFINING DIVERSITY: THE EVOLUTION OF DIVERSITY by Camille Kapoor
1. INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS DIVERSITY? The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical ability, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity within each individual (cited from http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~asuomca/diversityinit/definition.html).
2. PURPOSE OF THE PAPER This research paper was conducted to see the evolution of diversity definition across the industry, specifically in hospitality industry. This qualitative research use Diversity Task Force study which conducted in 2001 to confirm the definition of diversity, whereby diversity can be concluded as “all characteristics and experiences that define each of us as individuals” (Kapoor, 2011). On top of that, the purpose of this study is: • to illustrate the emergence of diversity concept into management discussions, • to discuss how the definition of diversity has broadened over time to become more inclusive, • to present current concerns with a broad-based diversity definition, • to put forth researcher’s own definition of diversity (Kapoor, 2011)
3. DISCUSSION ON FINDINGS
3.1 The Emergence of Diversity Concept into Management Discussions Based on the researcher’s findings, the entrance of diversity concept into management discussions was traced as early as 1978 based on Supreme Court Case of Regents of Universiy of California v. Bakke. In 1987, report by Hudson Institute known as Workforce
1. INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS DIVERSITY? The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical ability, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity within each individual (cited from http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~asuomca/diversityinit/definition.html).
2. PURPOSE OF THE PAPER This research paper was conducted to see the evolution of diversity definition across the industry, specifically in hospitality industry. This qualitative research use Diversity Task Force study which conducted in 2001 to confirm the definition of diversity, whereby diversity can be concluded as “all characteristics and experiences that define each of us as individuals” (Kapoor, 2011). On top of that, the purpose of this study is: • to illustrate the emergence of diversity concept into management discussions, • to discuss how the definition of diversity has broadened over time to become more inclusive, • to present current concerns with a broad-based diversity definition, • to put forth researcher’s own definition of diversity (Kapoor, 2011)
3. DISCUSSION ON FINDINGS
3.1 The Emergence of Diversity Concept into Management Discussions Based on the researcher’s findings, the entrance of diversity concept into management discussions was traced as early as 1978 based on Supreme Court Case of Regents of Universiy of California v. Bakke. In 1987, report by Hudson Institute known as Workforce