Diversity

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that discrimination in the workplace has been illegal in the U.S. for more than four decades. The writer points out that subsequent court cases have made it easier for victims to prove their claims of discrimination. The writer discusses that diversity is far more than just avoiding claims of discrimination. The writer maintains that changing demographics combined with expected labor shortages imply that companies need to embrace a diverse workforce to attract workers. The writer discusses that this transition will not be easy and that it will require significant changes in organizational behavior as well as modifications to policies and procedures.

From the Paper:

"As companies develop policies and procedures for specific demographic segments, they may encounter resentment that lead to charges of reverse discrimination, a practice of allocating favors based on belonging to a particular group, and create a stigma that the minority obtained the job position on a much lower playing field than required for other candidates. These resentments can divide employees and create racial tension in an organization. Therefore, an organizations needs to do more than just target minorities. Diversity training has the ability to increase awareness, impart knowledge and educate employees further on how to accept differences among fellow employees. The main benefit of diversity training is to create a positive work environment by helping employees recognize and be tolerant of differences among co-workers."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Companies focus on recruiting diverse workforce, but retention and promotion lag behind. Hewitt Associates. Retrieved from Web site: http://was4.hewitt.com/hewitt/resource/rptspubs/subrptspubs/publications/workforce_tomorrow.htm
• Diversity training. Retrieved from Web site: http://www.online-distance-learning-education.com/articles.php/tPath/8
• Fullerton, H.N. and Toossi, M. Employment outlook: 2000-10. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from Web site: http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2001/11/art2full.pdf
• LAS definition of diversity. Retrieved from Web site: http://www.las.iastate.edu/diversity/definition.shtml
• The changing workforce. AARP. Retrieved from Web site: http://www.aarp.org/states/idaho/id-advocacy/a2004-04-20-workforce.html

More papers on Diversity:

• Term Paper # 75201 : "Diversity Management"
• Term Paper # 28701 : "Diversity in the Workforce"
• Research Paper # 96649 : "Super-Diversity in Britain"
• Research Paper # 93323 : "Intervention Methods and Diversity Competence"

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