Embracing Diversity
Diversity in the workforce is more common today than ever before. Although diversity has been a slow evolution over the years, it has become more prominent and evident in many companies. Not only is multiplicity happening, but many companies are making it a part of their mission. Businesses are learning more about the effects of diversity, receiving and promoting training on diversity and valuing the significant role it plays within their organization.
While there are companies that are embracing diversity, many companies are not. These companies may face obstacles and conflicts of which they are unaware of the negative impact to their bottom line. There have been organizations that have suffered serious consequences as a result of not incorporating diversity and sensitivity in the workplace. These consequences vary from losing the competitive edge to violence within their organization. Some of these companies have made a conscious effort not to embrace diversity, while other companies are ignorant to the idea. Either way, struggles in the future may occur.
According to the article The Business Case for Diversity, diversity contributes to four major factors: "Increasing Revenue or Gross margin; Enhancing compliance or reducing litigation; Enhancing Corporate Goodwill (?employee of choice'); and Part as the tone at the top when corporate leadership believes diversity is ?the right thing to do.'"(Orenstein, 2005, pg22)
This country, as well as others, has prominent businesses that have taken diversity to another level. These businesses have not only incorporated diversity within their workplace but have been recognized from outside sources for it.
Corporate America appears to be getting the message: embracing diversity ...