Understanding Diversity
The Importance of Understanding Diversity in a Business Setting
DeVry University
SOCS-350N: Cultural Diversity in Professions
Spring A, 2014
The Importance of Understanding Diversity in a Business Setting
“Diversity is defined as real or perceived differences among people in race, ethnicity, sex, age, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, religion, work and family status, weight and appearance, and other identity-based attributes that affect their interactions and relationships (Bell, 2012, p.5)”. The work force of today is more diverse than ever, and the marketplace progressively more global. By 2010 the number of women in the U.S. labor force increased by almost 10 million, a growth rate almost one-third higher than …show more content…
Having employees’ who are from various backgrounds can improve the company’s marketing ability by being able to develop products that meet the needs and appeal to a more diverse population. By creating a reputation that values all types of employees can lead to better customer loyalty. Research has shown that groups of people with varying backgrounds bring differences that result in greater creativity and problem-solving abilities. These groups have also displayed more cooperative behaviors on group tasks. The benefits to having a diverse work force are many. Having a work environment centered on creating a comfortable and productive atmosphere requires management’s ability to understand that there are differences but that it is important to bridge these gaps and promote working together as a …show more content…
I found that I have adapted in a lot of ways by becoming more ambidextrous. The most challenging part of the experiment was not having the use of both hands. I could not write legibly at all with my right hand, and I found when flipping through a magazine with my right hand I preferred to flip the “normal” way front to back. When I usually flip through a magazine using my left hand I prefer flipping from the back to front. It did give me an appreciation for the challenges faced by those who do not fit into what the society sees as normal. I felt I had a disability and it was challenging to do my normal everyday tasks, plus I got some strange looks from my family. I also learned that it is possible to adapt to new situations. Being a lefty my whole life I have been viewed as different from what is considered normal. Sure I can only use extremely sharp scissors to cut paper, and I can barely use a knife to cut my food but I have never looked at this as a negative thing, I have always felt it makes me special and
DeVry University
SOCS-350N: Cultural Diversity in Professions
Spring A, 2014
The Importance of Understanding Diversity in a Business Setting
“Diversity is defined as real or perceived differences among people in race, ethnicity, sex, age, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, religion, work and family status, weight and appearance, and other identity-based attributes that affect their interactions and relationships (Bell, 2012, p.5)”. The work force of today is more diverse than ever, and the marketplace progressively more global. By 2010 the number of women in the U.S. labor force increased by almost 10 million, a growth rate almost one-third higher than …show more content…
Having employees’ who are from various backgrounds can improve the company’s marketing ability by being able to develop products that meet the needs and appeal to a more diverse population. By creating a reputation that values all types of employees can lead to better customer loyalty. Research has shown that groups of people with varying backgrounds bring differences that result in greater creativity and problem-solving abilities. These groups have also displayed more cooperative behaviors on group tasks. The benefits to having a diverse work force are many. Having a work environment centered on creating a comfortable and productive atmosphere requires management’s ability to understand that there are differences but that it is important to bridge these gaps and promote working together as a …show more content…
I found that I have adapted in a lot of ways by becoming more ambidextrous. The most challenging part of the experiment was not having the use of both hands. I could not write legibly at all with my right hand, and I found when flipping through a magazine with my right hand I preferred to flip the “normal” way front to back. When I usually flip through a magazine using my left hand I prefer flipping from the back to front. It did give me an appreciation for the challenges faced by those who do not fit into what the society sees as normal. I felt I had a disability and it was challenging to do my normal everyday tasks, plus I got some strange looks from my family. I also learned that it is possible to adapt to new situations. Being a lefty my whole life I have been viewed as different from what is considered normal. Sure I can only use extremely sharp scissors to cut paper, and I can barely use a knife to cut my food but I have never looked at this as a negative thing, I have always felt it makes me special and