Diversity

Diversity

 Diversity can be defined as a situation that includes representation of multiple and ideally all groups within a prescribed environment, such as a workplace (University of Maryland, 2000).  The success of an organization depends on the workforce of the organization. A workforce made up of diverse individuals from different backgrounds can bring the best talent to an organization. There are many types of diversity and demographic characteristics and each one has an impact on individual behavior. Ethnicity, gender, age and personality traits diversity will be discussed along with an examination of the impact each of these have on individual behavior.
 Ethnicity can be defined as a quality assigned to a specific group of people historically connected by a common national origin or language. Ethnicity is a word commonly used to describe race. When considering the impact ethnicity has on individual behavior a person has to consider all races. Ethnic groups are the minority in a workforce and the impact these groups have on the workforce is dynamic. Ethnicity plays a role on individual behavior in positive and negative ways.
Some individuals from ethnic groups use their ethnicity to their advantage positively. They bring a unique perspective, culture and thought to the workplace.  On the other hand ethnicity can have a negative impact also. There can be those who are ashamed of their culture of ethnicity and try to hide it or downplay it. There are those who use their ethnicity for malicious purposes of getting what they want by claiming discrimination, when it has not occurred. These people who play the "race card" provide a bad name for those who are truly discriminated against. 
Gender has a ...