qualities that are different from our own or from the groups we belong to, yet present in other individuals and groups. Types of Diversity Diversity can be differences in: – Age – Ethnicity / geographical location / race / ancestry / color – Gender – Physical abilities / qualities – Sexual orientation Types - Continued – Educational background – Income – Marital status – Religious beliefs – Parental status – Work experience Why are we talking Diversity? • Globalisation • Opening up of economies • Smaller world • Working across time boundaries • Increase of diverse people in workforce Managing Diversity Planning and implementing organizational systems and practices to manage people so that the potential advantages of diversity are maximized while its disadvantages are minimized Example Qantas Flight Catering has sixty-six nationalities on staff, with various overseas-born chefs. Dedicated diverse ‘ethnic’ kitchens gave Qantas a huge competitive edge that offers food based on customer’s ethnic taste and requirements Advantages of Diversity • Effectively managed multi culture companies have a cost effective competitive edge – diversity management is a strategic concept • It helps in promoting a minority friendly reputation among prospective employees Advantages - Continued • Diverse cultural corporations have larger potential to get a diverse customer base • Ability to manage cultural diversity increases adaptability and flexibility of an organization to environmental changes. Advantages - Continued
• Diverse group of employees /
heterogeneous groups are perceived to be more creative and efficient in problem solving as compared to homogenous groups How to manage - Basic Principles • Diversity is a tool for organisational progress rather than a managerial problem • There is no cook book approach to managing diversity. • Acknowledge people's differences and recognize that these differences as valuable How to manage - Continued • Move your frame of reference from an ethnocentric view (our way is the best way) to a global perspective (let's take the best of a variety of ways) • More than treating others the way you want to be treated; treat others the way they want to be treated Skills for managing diversity
• An understanding and acceptance of
diversity concepts
• Recognition that diversity is threaded
through every aspect of management Skills - Continued • Self-awareness: understanding your own culture, identity, biases, prejudices, and stereotypes • Willingness to challenge and change institutional practices that present barriers to different groups Think about this! • Same treatment is not fair treatment • Ignoring diversity will ultimately increase costs through: – Unhealthy tension between groups – Loss of productivity because of increased conflict – Inability to attract and retain talented people of all kinds – Complaints and legal actions Challenges for HR