Diversity in the Workplace: Where Do I Fit In? L. Jerry Knighton, Jr. Workplace Issues for the New Millennium

What can I expect to learn? This presentation will show: How people encounter subtle, and non-subtle, discrimination everyday How casual bias can bring on stress, anger, and resentment; thus impairing performance Why policies and procedures should value differences rather than ignore them How everyone has a responsibility to build a culture that welcomes diversity

Definition of Diversity The full utilization of all human resources that create a climate of mutual understanding and respects differences and similarities.

What is Culture? The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group (Merriam Webster Dictionary) The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes a company or corporation (Merriam Webster Dictionary) Places People Things

Primary Dimensions of Diversity Age Race/Ethnicity Gender Physical Ability Sexual Orientation

Secondary Dimensions of Diversity Educational Background Geographic Location Income Marital Status Military Experience Parental Status Religious Beliefs Work Experience

What is culture? Primary Dimensions: Serve as core elements and shape our basic self-image and our fundamental world view. They help form our core expectations of others in our personal and professional life. Secondary Dimensions: Serve as independent influences on our self esteem and self definition. This influence varies with who we are, our stage of life, and changes we have experienced. Marilyn Loden and Judy B. Rosener (1991) Workforce America: Managing Diversity as a Vital Resource. Diversity Dimensions Parental Status Martial Status Work Background Religious Beliefs Age Race Gender Ethnicity Physical Qualities Sexual Orientation Geography Military Education Income CULTURE

Culture Plays a Role in Diversity Efforts  Individual attitudes toward diversity toward diversity  Problem solving skills

Diversity Efforts are Challenging Family  Hierarchy  Roles of members  Size of family unit  Cohesion of family unit Language  Communication break down  Prevents clear understanding Ethnicity  Different histories  Different celebrations and festivals festivals  Different races Religion  Practices may seem inhumane inhumane  Beliefs are against the norm norm

Forms of Bias…  Exclusion and invisibility  Stereotyping  Imbalance and selectivity  Fragmentation and isolation

What Organizations Must Do to Manage Diversity Demonstrate commitment from the top Seek involvement and commitment from the bottom up Teach a wide array of management techniques that work cross culturally Integrate diversity into the fabric of the organization

Success Measures…  Retains employees through building a stronger sense of community community  Raises level of cultural competency (reducing potential litigation litigation  Acknowledges differences instead of trying to make everyone fit one mold everyone fit one mold  Creates an environment where all employees feel comfortable comfortable  Encourages new ideas and perspectives.

How to Develop a Diversity Mind-Set Get beyond ethnocentrism Emphasize common experience that unify rather than differences that divide Demonstrate values through actions, not words Remember that diversity includes everyone