This paper serves to discuss the demographic characteristics, and its impact on individual behavior.
Diversity Paper
The greater Phoenix area accounts for more than 60% of Arizona's population. Futhermore, the greater Phoenix population has increased by 59% since 1990. Research conducted by the U.S. Censes Bureau estimates that Arizona's projected population percentage increase is 2.7% for 2005 and 2006, and for 2007, they are estimating an average of 2.6%. More and more people are on the move. Whether it be financial reasons, agricultural reasons, or just a fresh start, people from many cultures are moving to countries promising to fulfill their dreams. Every culture has a unique common heritage. Culture can be defined as a system of values, traits, morals, and customs shared by a society. Culture teaches people how to behave, and it conditions their reactions (Guffey, 2000, pg.72).
Due to this increasing growth, diversity has become more widespread. Diversity is a term used to refer to many demographic characteristics such as race, gender, color, national origin, sex, religion, and the like. Diversity is the individual differences that cultivates a distinctiveness among our society. These differences share many common values, attitudes, and perceptions. Additionally, each group contains much diversity; and, each are joined by individuals who posses a uniqueness in his or her own personality, education, and life experiences. According to Schermerhorn, "valuing diversity helps to build an internal climate of inclusiveness, one that respects diverstiy and provides oppportunities for all memebers, not just a privileged few" (2005, pg. 10). Sadly, diversity has continuously b ...