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MANAGING EMPLOYEE DIVERSITYMANAGING EMPLOYEE DIVERSITY
TOPICSTOPICS
1. Defining diversity and diversity
management.
2. Reasons for diversity management.
3. Challenges to diversity management.
4. Improving diversity programs.

I. Defining DiversityI. Defining Diversity
1. Simple: Differences among people in terms of their
mental and physical characteristics.
2. Traditional: Differences among employees and applicants
in relation to their protected class status such as race,
sex, religion, color, national origin, age, and disabilities.
3. Broad/Current: Differences among employees and
applicants in relation to their demographic characteristics
(i.e., protected class status) and their experiences,
perspectives, values, and attitudes.

Diversity ManagementDiversity Management
See Figure 4.2
An attempt to employ and develop
non-traditional employees and
persons with wide-ranging
backgrounds, experiences, and
perspectives by (a) increasing
diversity awareness, (b) building a
culture of respect, fairness, and
appreciation of differences, and (c)
providing developmental and career
opportunities for all employees in
order to utilize their unique skills and
abilities.

II. Reasons for Diversity ManagementII. Reasons for Diversity Management
Organizational
1. Prevent misunderstandings which
could hurt teamwork and
productivity.
2. Prevent discrimination and legal
complaints.
3. Allow all employees to participate
and contribute.
4. Attract persons from an
increasingly changing labor
force. See Figure 4.3.
Production
1. Gain increased creativity from
diverse experiences and
perspectives.
2. Gain better problem solving from
increased expression of ideas
and larger volume of ideas.
3. Gain greater system flexibility
due to openness and tolerance
for new ideas and approaches.
4. Gain in market awareness,
especially in globally competitive
industries.

III. Challenges to Diversity ManagementIII. Challenges to Diversity Management
1. Valuing Diversity
2. Individual vs. Group
Fairness
3. Resistance to Change
4. Interpersonal Conflict
5. Resentment and Backlash
6. Segmented Networks
7. Retention of Minorities
8. Perceived Competition

1. Valuing Diversity
Seeing diversity as an asset,
not something that will
threaten organizational
conformity and cohesion.

2. Individual versus Group fairness
• Don’t offer exclusive programs.
(For example, if special training
is needed by a certain group,
offer it to everyone.)
• Communicate HR procedures
used in making decisions about
employees and applicants.

3. Resistance to Change
• Change is always frightening, even
when it is positive.
• Organizational culture evolves over
many years and becomes accepted.
• Management must explain the need
for change and that employees will
be supported.

4. Interpersonal Conflict
• Employees are accustomed to people like
themselves.
• Diversity awareness and training can help
reduce stereotypes and
misunderstandings.
• Time and patience is needed for
employees to break-down stereotypes
and get to know others as “individuals”.

5. Resentment and Backlash
 Majority employees (e.g., Caucasian-American
men) may perceive non-traditional employees
as a threat to their status and career
advancement.
 Top management commitment to diversity,
communication of the value of diversity, and
participation in the process is needed.
 The key: Diversity will help the organization
compete in the 21st
century and create more
opportunities for all employees.

6. Segmented Networks
People of similar gender, race, nationality, etc. tend to
interact more on a personal basis. In an
organization, this may be harmful in that:
 Benefits from diversity may be undermined.
 Familiarity with other employees is stifled.
 Opportunities for networking and advancement
may be dampened.
Solution Change culture, use teams, put
different people on committees, etc.

7. Retention of Minorities
Retaining minorities is an issue and
is related to:
 People not feeling welcome.
 Being overwhelmed by work
demands.
 Not being given proper training.

8. Competition for Opportunities8. Competition for Opportunities
Traditional employees may believe that
newly hired minorities are given special
treatment and that their jobs and
promotional opportunities are
threatened. It is important to deal with
these perceptions through:
 Diversity awareness.
 Diversity training.
 HR policies that are fair and explained
well.
 Convincing employees the goal is to
build a “bigger pie”.

IV. Improving Diversity ProgramsIV. Improving Diversity Programs
1. Top Management
Commitment
2. Diversity Training
3. Support Groups
4. Mentoring
5. Apprenticeships
6. Information Technology
7. Communication
Standards
8. Organized Activities
9. Diversity Audits
10. Management
Accountability

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