MANAGING DIVERSITY

Many differences may be found in a multicultural workforce, and managing those differences are right now the most important challenges faced by managers and their organizations. One may find differences related to gender, age, sex orientation, political o religious view and the truth is that people are not the same but always want to be treated equally representing a daily and constant challenge to the members of a company or group. Managing diversity is the capacity to accept, incorporate and empower the diverse human talents within a very diverse environment, by not doing this you incur in some problems, it could cost the company time, money and efficiency, when diversity is not well managed create tensions in the workplace and some legal actions may be taken if someone feels that her or his rights are disrespected. This challenge brings some potential problems, over protection of women and minorities, possible failure to train and coach and the language barriers, but is also possible to find some advantages if managing diversity is successful, your company provides a better service, a culture of innovation and creativity is implemented, a new environment of tolerance surround the workforce and improve their performance among others.

I think is always a challenge, not only in the workplace but also for us as students, one has to be tolerant, open minded, knowing that not everyone has to be just like you, think like you do, and act as you would, and is something we have to learn now in order to be able in the future to pass to other generations a sense of tolerance and respect because maybe someday we or them might be the victims of rejection or discrimination and by being an integral person the situation maybe faced in a better way.

¿Which is the most important aspect of managing correctly diversity within a company?

“In reality, diversity in the workforce increases creativity and helps tap into new markets nationally and internationally. Organisations who ignore this are losing out”.

a world of difference
Atul K Shah. Accountancy Age. London: Jan 10, 2008. pg. 18