Benefits and Challenges of Diversity in the Workplace

Diversity is beneficial to both associates and employers. Although associates are interdependent in the workplace, respecting individual difference can increase productivity. Diversity in the workplace can decrease lawsuits and increase marketing opportunities, recruitment, creativity and business image (Esty, Et al., 1995). In an era when flexibility and creativity are keys to competitively, diversity is critical to an organization’s success.  So, management tools in a diverse workplace should be used to educate everyone about diversity and its issues, including laws and regulations. Most organizations are made up of diverse cultures, so organizations need to learn how to adapt to be successful.

There are challenges to managing a diverse workforce. Managing diversity is more than simply acknowledging differences in people. It involves recognizing the value of differences, combating discrimination, and promoting inclusiveness. Managers may also be challenged with losses of personnel and work productivity due to the prejudice and discrimination and complaints and legal actions against the organization. (Devoe, 1999)

Negative attitudes and behaviors can be barrier to organizational diversity because they are harmful to working relationships and they can reduce morale and work productivity. Negative attitudes and behaviors in the workplace include prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination, which should never be used by managers for recruitment, retention and termination practices (could lead costly litigation).

References:

Esty Katherine, Richard Griffin, and Marcie Schorr-Hirsh (1995). Workplace Diversity. A manager guide to solving problems and turning diversity into a competitive advantage. Avon, MA: Adams Media Coporation

Devoe, Deborah. (1999) Managing a diverse workforce. San Mateo, CA: Infoworld Media Group.