Diversity
OVERVIEW
Diversity as we define it means difference. Our premise is that differences in perspectives, experience, backgrounds, etc., can offer benefits to any organization. While many believe that diversity only refers to race and gender, it is much more. Though these are two very important aspects of diversity, there are many more ways in which we differ. At times there can be barriers between co-workers due to cultural, educational, functional, regional, or even style differences. These dimensions make us individuals and allow us to make unique contributions to the success of the organizations we belong to.
Diversity is the sense that no matter where you come from, who you are, or what your background is, there is a place for you.
A diverse organization is one which values difference. It is one which recognizes that people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions. Diverse organizations encourage and harness these differences to make their services relevant and approachable. A diverse organization draws upon the widest possible range of views and experiences, so it can listen to, and meet, the changing needs of its customers, staff, shareholders, vendors, partners and supporters.
Why Embrace Diversity?
Diversity enriches organizations. We learn from those whose experiences, beliefs, and perspectives are different from our own, and these lessons can be taught best in a richly diverse intellectual and social environment.
It promotes personal growth and a healthy society. Diversity challenges stereotyped preconceptions; it encourages critical thinking; and it helps employees learn to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds.
It strengthens communities and the workplace. Working within a diverse setting prepares employees to be good citizens in an increasingly complex society; it fosters mutual respect and teamwork; and it helps build communities whose members are judged by the quality of their character and their contributions.
It enhances America's economic competitiveness. Sustaining the nation's prosperity in the 21st century will require us to make effective use of the talents and abilities of all our citizens, in organizations that bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Diversity As Synergy
The word ‘Synergy’ is one of those fun words to use. By Synergy I mean the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Try using the word the next time you are at a social gathering, and decide which of your colleagues is most impressed by you expounding on the virtues of something being synergistic.
Workplace diversity is one of those things that bring about Synergy. Yeah, yeah, we all know that we are to value diversity and it is the right thing to do. Human resource professionals can inadvertently become talking heads for diversity without really being passionate about diversity. Their can be limited understanding about the real payoff of having a diversity initiate within a corporation’s overall strategic plan. Straight to the point diversity operationalised in the workplace significantly helps render a strategic plan realized, rendering more gains than what is expected!
Thinking of diversity in this way leaves us with positive images of which we see the benefits. But, do we really view workplace diversity as a positive benefit? The fact is that most workplaces are becoming increasingly diverse and heterogeneous. People from different genders, races, ethnic origins, ages, cultures, family structures, and lifestyles find themselves working together. Embracing the change that comes with diversity is not about being ‘politically correct’ or ‘doing the right thing’. It’s about valuing and appreciating individual differences. Yet, when you value diversity an interesting things happens: you see more clearly the sameness in each other. Desiring diversity has a way of bringing about greater respect because of the uniqueness and commonality we share together.
Embracing diversity in the workplace leads to increased creativity. Some of the greatest accomplishments in civilization emerged when people of diverse backgrounds worked together and exchanged ideas. The Renaissance came out of the East meeting the West during the Crusades. America is known for its inventiveness and advancements due in large part to the diversity brought about being a nation of immigrants.
To embrace diversity and see it as bringing synergy to the workplace means that we are willing to:
- Come to terms with our attitudes, beliefs, and expectations about others while gaining comfort with different-ness.
- Believe that diversity is big enough to include everyone-young and old, immigrant and native, black or white, and goes beyond race and gender.
- Recognize that past inequities are in the past and focus should be in the present to reduce stereotypes and discrimination.
- Acknowledge that we human beings resist change, and find comfort in and trust people most similar to ourselves.
Embrace differences, plan for diversity and anticipate the synergy that creates measurable outcomes and gains to your company’s mission and strategic plan.
John D. Emmart, Psy.D, SPHR
Mercy Health System
The Wisconsin SHRM Diversity Advocate Award
Diversity as we define it means difference. Diversity enriches our organizations. We all learn from those whose life experiences, beliefs, and perspectives are different from our own. It promotes personal growth, it strengthens employees to be good citizens in an increasingly complex society and it fosters mutual respect and teamwork.
The Wisconsin SHRM recognizes an individual or organization that is a role model in their community as a strong advocate for diversity.
Winners