Running head: DIVERSITY AT THE WORKPLACE.
Diversity in the Workplace.
Name:
Institution:
DIVERSITY AT THE WORKPLACE. 2
Diversity. Refers to the state of being different, varied or multiformity. In the workplace, it
would refer to the inclusion of persons representing different country, origin, skin color,
economic status, sexual orientation among others.
Inclusion. Refers to the state of being part of organization or structure. In the workplace,
inclusion would mean the act of accommodating people of different culture, color, economic
status, sexual orientation, people with disability among others, within the organization.
Equity. Refers to impartiality and fairness towards all concerned parties based on principles of
equal participation and share in dealing. It implies that advantage, considerations or latitude are
given in the same capacity to all the parties in the organization.
We all need to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment,
victimization, and bullying. However, this does not call for lack of inclusion in the business
organization because diverse culture and people with different origin bring new and useful ideas
to the business structure. Therefore, the inclusion of diverse personality and ensuring an
equitable share of the benefits in the organization is important.
The terms diverse, inclusion and equity are different but inseparable. We need diversity
in an organization whereby a different individual with diverse culture and origin are made part of
the organization. We do also need inclusion of such individuals in the decision-making table and
ultimately equitable share of benefits from the organization.
A diverse workplace seeks to create an all-inclusive working culture that values all
available talents from all the employees. It is illegal for organizations to engage in employment
practices that discriminate some of its employees based on race, color, gender, nationality, age
DIVERSITY AT THE WORKPLACE. 3
and disability (Civil Rights Act, 1964). Diversity may range from people with different sexual
orientation, skin color and disability.
Many organizations have embraced diversity and now emphasizing on recruitment,
selection, retention, and training. This has reduced stereotyping that deter effective management.
In my workplace, people of different color, origin, and religion work together towards
organizational goals achievement. This has enabled the company to be the best in medical
research.
Indeed, an organization can be diverse but not inclusive. Some organizations employee
people of different color, origin and economic status yet the minority do not enjoy all the
privileges of the organization. Some are sidelined during crucial decision making and their
opinions rendered of no importance to the organization. In such case, the organization is not
inclusive. In other cases, the organization has diversity in the workforce but the resource
distribution is not equitable. Some minorities in the organization lack equal incentives during
remuneration and they are ignored during important decisions.
Gender discrimination is rampant in many organizations today. Many male managers are
slow to promote female employees to higher positions of management (Tuner, 2007). Other
companies such as Abercrombie show extreme racial preference with the reputation of hiring
classic Americans. They have been facing many lawsuits due to this issue.
One could feel inferior when in different gender, race or in sexual orientation that seem special
in a particular community. This would render the person shy in making an important
contribution to the organization due to fear of discrimination.
DIVERSITY AT THE WORKPLACE. 4
Tech industry is majorly controlled by male managers. Dozens of women went public
recently on accusations of harassment and assault against Harvey Weinstein (Kolhatkar, 2017).
Sexual assault has become a central talk in national conversations. Many accusations directed
towards powerful figures in the tech industries. A number of legal concepts have been
established to counter these vices. Sexual harassment in violation of Civil Rights Act (Kolhatkar,
2017).
Many organizations are embracing diversity in the workforce although more need to be
done in order to ensure no discrimination whatsoever in the organizations. Some advances to
counter discrimination has been diversity training in a number of organizations. This has
promoted understanding and harmonious working culture.
DIVERSITY AT THE WORKPLACE. 5
References.
Herring, C (2009). Does diversity pay? American Sociological Review April 2009. Business case
409074002003. Page 208-224.
Levy, P (2010). Industrial organization psychology, understanding the workplace. (3rd ed.).
pp218-220. New York, New York: Worth Publishers.
Kolhatkar Sheelah. The Tech Industrys gender Discrimination problem. New Yorker.
www.Newyorker.com 15th November 2017.
