Workplace Observation DSW Shoe Warehouse, located in Columbus, Ohio, caters to the passionate shoe enthusiast and indulges customers who love to shop. Since the inception in 1991, DSW has evolved into a distinctive, retail concept

        What is conflict?  Conflict is a natural disagreement resulting from individuals or groups that differ in attitudes, beliefs, values or needs. It can also originate from past rivalries and personality differences. Other causes of conflict include trying to negotiate before the timing is right or before needed information is available. It is a requirement that management at DSW take a mandatory class within the first three months of employment on conflict management. This course promotes positive and constructive feedback to the employee as well as their associates. It allows the manager to focus their energy on the conflict and resolve the divergence professionally. When conflict arises at DSW, individual/team members of management take fundamental steps in trying to resolve conflict. The steps include: Analyzing the conflict, Collaboration, Compromise, Competition, Accommodation, or even Avoidance. These are common fundamental steps that are utilized among many if not all companies.

Today, there is no question that diversity is a vital importance to a business strategy of all corporations and organizations. At DSW, Organizational diversity helps employees and team members relate to customers who are different from them. In today's workforce, customer base companies are becoming increasingly diverse. There are three positive factors that can contribute through proper diversity training at DSW. First, with increased diversity awareness and skills, employee and team members can maximize customer interactions by serving the client in the manner that best relates to them. To further amplify diversity training as well as reviewing its customer service program, DSW has taken the initiative to participate in the mystery shop program. The primary purpose of the program is to ensure that employees of an organization are following company policy and procedures in addition to providing superior customer service. Next, organizational diversity is a crucial component to become efficient in operations and motivation of today's increasingly diverse workforce. Organizations utilizing diversity training, such as DSW, would help employees and team members overcome conflicts and focus on the positive aspects that would reap tremendous benefits in employee satisfaction and productivity. Additionally, Organizations that have implemented a comprehensive diversity training program accompanied by business policy that supports zero tolerance for harassment are in a stronger position to prevent harassing and discriminatory behaviors before they occur (Diversity Training is an Important Component in an Organization's Business Strategy, 2006). DSW supports the zero tolerance programs for harassment and discriminatory behaviors. DSW has an open door policy to where any employee can bypass the chain of command to talk with a direct supervisor if any harassment or inappropriate behaviors has occurred. Also, DSW has implemented the Safe-to-Call Hotline for any circumstances that may occur while working at DSW. All calls to this hotline is completely anonymous which ensures the privacy and safety of an employee who calls in to report inappropriate or harassing behaviors towards another associate not to exclude management. Furthermore, organizations that show a stronger case for the inclusion of diversity can help protect themselves from regulatory actions and lawsuits. Organizations without comprehensive diversity training and harassment prevention policies are in a more precarious situation when faced with a harassment or discrimination lawsuit (Diversity Training is an Important Component in an Organization's Business Strategy, 2006).

Workplace observation can be a positive process for any working associate or manager at any organization. For example, as a possible candidate looking for work observing theses organizations, they can analyze the type of culture that has been created within that organization. As they gather information, they can determine if they would make a good fit within that culture. Positive outcome results in that the individual would be able to make a professional decision if he or she would want to work for that organization based on the facts observed. Finally, the individual or individuals utilizing the knowledge gained would most likely be more productive and more willing to work harder for an organization they feel fits into their culture acceptance as well.

Reference

Dsw - home. (2005). Retrieved Feb. 03, 2006, from Careers Web site:       .

Hoban, T. J. (1982). Managing conflict. Retrieved Feb. 06, 2006, from Managing Conflict Web site: www.ctic.purdue.edu.

Prism International Inc., (2006). Diversity training is an important component in an organization's business strategy. Retrieved Feb. 06, 2006, from Prism International Inc. Web site: .

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