Why Does Diversity Matter?

Cultural diversity in the workplace provides strengths as well as challenges to businesses today.

The United States is often thought of as the great melting pot where anyone from any background can assimilate into a single society.

A more realistic and appropriate "ideal" is one of multi-culturalism (cultural diversity). Multi-culturalism is based on the idea that cultural identities should not be discarded or ignored, but instead, should be maintained and valued.

The importance of cultural diversity in the workplace has been, for the most part, accepted in American business. This is illustrated by the increased presence of women and minorities in the business world.

Diversity has gone from being a moral and /or legal issue into a business necessity.

As we move further along in the 21st century, it will be necessary for business owners to compete in a more global arena.

A study by the Hudson Institute for the U.S. Department of Labor found that 85% of the new entrants into the workforce in the next decade will be women, minorities, and immigrants. If you want your business to be successful and competitive in the future, you will have to utilize these human resources and participate in these diversity trends.

Why Does Cultural Diversity In The Workplace Matter?

Cultural Diversity matters to every single one of us, both professionally and personally. When a group or segment of our population is excluded or oppressed, all of us are denied.

For our businesses and communities to not only survive, but to thrive, each of us needs to be aware and sensitive to ALL the members of the community. Our communities are rich with human resources. When all segments are respected and utilized, it benefits everyone involved.

You can not automatically assume that society's view of you is unobstructed or based solely on your individual character, qualifications, or accomplishments. Unfortunately, you may be put in the situation to "second guess" or question one's motives in their interactions and responses to you.

More and more of us do not fit the societal prescription of what is "normal". While this may be true, we must do our best to function as productive, happy individuals.

So what are we to do?

We can all strive for change.

We can all be proactive in our decisions and lifestyles rather than reactive to ignorance and intolerance. America is the most diverse nation in the world. Cultural diversity in the workplace is becoming  more desired. Our ethnicity, religion, life experience, etc., makes each of us unique. This means that we all need to learn to accept what is different from us and respect it.

Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace

The management of cultural diversity in the workplace can be considered a response to the need to recognize, respect and capitalize on the different backgrounds in our society in terms of race, ethnicity, and gender.

Different cultural groups have different values, styles, and personalities, each of which may have a substantial effect on the way they do business. Rather than punishing or stifling these different management styles because they do not conform to the "traditional" management methods, employers should recognize these differences as benefits.

Not only can diverse management styles achieve the same results as traditional methods, but cultural diversity in the workplace can also help improve the company's competitive position in the marketplace.

Diversity, or sensitivity, training is now common place in the corporate world. However, small businesses need to be aware of these issues as well. As a small business owner, your awareness and respect of cultural diversity in the workplace truly matters to your employees and your client base.

It pays to create a balance of respect and understanding in the workplace to have happy and  productive workers. In addition, it is important that you and your employees are aware of the importance of respecting diversity when dealing with your clients.

When you work effectively with your community, both you and the community benefit.

Extensis is the leading New Jersey based Professional Employer Organization. We have the tools and experience to assist our clients to thrive in today's diverse work environment. If your business is facing questions and challenges in diversity, Extensis is there to help.

For more information, go to www.extensisgroup.com, or call 888-473-6398.