Managing Employee Diversity

Diversity It describes a wide spectrum differences between people. Groups of individuals share characteristics that distinguish them from other groups. The differences between groups are smaller than the differences within groups. Classifying people into group types often leads to false stereotypes because it incorrectly assumes that group averages apply to all individuals in the group.

Melting Pot? Or a Salad Bowl? Melting Pot Theory peoples from various cultures come to America and contribute aspects of their culture to create a new, unique American culture. contributions from many cultures are indistinguishable from one another and are effectively "melted" together Salad Bowl Theory newly arrived immigrants do not lose the unique aspects of their cultures- they retain them. accounts for the retention of the "something- American" hyphenation when identifying cultural identity Called pluralism

Diversity in the organization A powerful competitive edge The ability to foster creativity Improve problem solving Provide greater flexibility Makes the firm more attractive to a broad labor market

The Faces of Diversity Advantages Better market access Better Team Performance Improved International Competition Multiple points of view Disadvantages Pressure towards homogenization Lower cohesiveness Confusing diversity with Affirmative Action Interpersonal Conflict and Tension

The U.S. workforce : a mosaic of diverse cultures and groups African Americans 11.3 % population 11.8 % workforce Asian Americans 3.6 % population Wide variety of races ethnic groups and nationalities Disabled Americans 50 million Americans 55.8% are employed Accommodating disabled employees is less expensive Foreign-Born Americans About 10 percent of U.S. population About 820,000 immigrants enter the U.S. legally every year Hispanic Americans About 28 million people (10 percent of U.S. population) Actual number is around 40 million people Homosexuals: Estimated to be between 1 to 10 percent of the population No federal laws to protect Older Workers The average age of the U.S. workforce is expected to reach 42 by Negative stereotypes: inflexible, resisting to learning new skills, and coasting until retirement Women Half of the labor force is female Glass ceiling and sexual harassment issues

Building on Diversity Management Commitment: Top management commitment Linking diversity initiatives to business strategies and objectives Management responsibility and accountability Diversity audits Developmental activities Encouraging diversity networks Accommodating family needs

Top Management Commitment Question to improve diversity: How can we develop all employees so that they are ready for opportunities that arise in the company? How can we be sure that minorities and women gain access to better jobs, as they become available? How can we make sure that we give minorities and women opportunities without discriminating against white men? How can we show all employees that we value their contributions? How can we change attitudes of both employees and customers? Will the same approach work for new employees and those with many years of service?

Linking Diversity to Strategies and Objectives Should be key components of corporate mission statements Inclusion in corporate handbooks Examples: Diversity briefing for senior management Networking groups Linking diversity performance to other corporate objectives Benchmarking with other companies

Management Responsibility and Accountability “ Diversity is not likely to become part of management and employee priorities without real accountability for specific objectives.” 360-degree feedback – multirater feedback from peers, suppliers, other levels of management, and internal and external customers Employee surveys Performance appraisals Self-evaluation

Diversity Audits Can help reveal possible sources of bias Indicators or factors used in the audit can also be used to measure whether corrective actions have the desired effects

Developmental Activities Diversity Training Diversity is about each person coming to terms with attitudes, beliefs, and expectations It is big enough to include everyone No is the target to blame Human beings are ethnocentric The human species resists change Human beings find comfort and trust in likeness It is difficult for people to share power Senior Mentoring Diversity Learning Labs Apprenticeships

Encouraging diversity networks Offers a nurturing environment to people Company leaders may encourage employees to become part of international teams

Accommodating Family Needs Day-care assistance Flexible work schedules Compressed work weeks Job sharing Telecommuting Care assistance for elderly dependents Paid time off to care for family members who are ill Paid parental leave Keeping relocations to a minimum Giving a high priority to finding a position for spouse within the firm Job search assistance to relocated spouses