Americans often confuse diversity with the poor, minorities and women. However, when you examine industries such as engineering for example, most doctorates are granted to people whose native language is not English. The Technology and Service sector is another example, where the majority of employees are not native born Americans. More than 20 million jobs are projected to be created in the next 10 years, of those, 75 percent will be filled by women and minorities.
Capitalization of Diversity seems to be an ever growing trend throughout firms in the United States. American Express for example utilizes African American employees to network, hold seminars and workshops in venues such as black museums. This program was responsible for the 68 percent of new business coming from black clients.
There are many challenges with diversity which include, balancing individual needs with group fairness, dealing with resistance to change, retaining valued performers, and maximizing opportunities for all workers. Undoubtedly, racism is still alive and well in the United States. Research shows that in the state of Washington, 25 percent of employees with more than 50 workers still discriminate towards women. Affirmative action, created decades ago still presents challenge and controversy. For example, women and minorities in management positions may feel as though they are not taken as seriously as a white man. White men may feel they are not fairly considered when affirmative action plays a role in promotions.
Race and ethnicity play a critical role in diversity and success depends on how organizations manage groups of “diversity. These groups include: African Americans, Asian Americans, and People with Disablities, Foreign born, Homosexuals, Latinos, Elder workers and Women. It is important for a company to have diverse representation on their Board of Directors, and Senior Management positions in order to fully understand and value diversity.
There are several companies who require Diversity Training annually. As aggressive as this tactic is, it forces employees to realize and be conscious of a diverse work force. Many companies go the “extra mile” as it relates to diversity offering extended maternity leave, paternity leave, flexible work schedules, child care, and mentorship programs.
Diversity efforts should continue to focus on the age old saying “Treat people as you want to be treated.” It still may be necessary however for the success of a corporation, to encourage the management of diversity so that representation from minority and non-minority groups continue to exist.
