What does diversity do?
Diversity, first and foremost, teaches us to accept differences in others and look beyond the base emotions of language, culture, race and color- all that makes us racists or sexists, for example. It teaches us to be more open and accepting of things that are different from us and in that process makes us more adjustable and open.
Certainly, diversity divides us. There are all kinds of examples of that. Color of skin, nationality, Heredity, religion, language, etc. has divided us in different ways and different degrees. Same thing with all of the rest. Financially divides us by where we live and how we live. But the best things are gotten by making diversity the path of knowledge and strength. It is in bringing people of diversity together and understands the strengths and the ways of using various strengths to build a stronger unit makes the total much stronger. The US was built on using diversity to build the country. The political season this fall was an example of using diversity to destroy the country during the elections. All common ground was ignored and politicians used diversity to drive us apart and to use fear to get elected.
The impact it has on others?
Diversity is the presence of people from a wide range of backgrounds and possessing different traits. Differences in age, race, ethnic origin, culture, physical abilities, religion and sexual orientation are just some possible contributors to diversity. Though generally regarded as a good thing for a workplace, diversity poses significant challenges for company leaders.
Modern companies often strive for greater diversity among their employees, hiring workers of different races, creeds, genders and ages to bring a more varied experience to their ranks. Diversity carries with it a tangible number of benefits, but it also entails new
challenges and obstacles to overcome. A company that can successfully manage a diverse workplace may possess a solid advantage over companies that don't embrace diversity so readily.
Broader Employee Base
A diverse workplace may facilitate employment in far-flung parts of the world. The idea of a central office or single meeting space might vanish, replaced by virtual hubs that stay in contact via email and online communication. For example, a company that opens a new branch in India may need to stay in contact with the Indian employees, transforming a single office environment into an interconnected virtual office.
Communication
With diversity comes new means of expression, as employees from different cultures and backgrounds communicate in slightly different ways. This can lead to confusion and frustration, as missed signals result in miscommunication, and thus lost productivity. Miscommunication can also enforce existing stereotypes about minorities, further exacerbating tensions, and in the worst cases leaving the company vulnerable to lawsuits. According to the University of Florida, companies can improve communication in a diverse workplace by fostering an atmosphere of clarity, and by tasking managers with understanding individual cultures as much as possible to help smooth over any misunderstanding.
Costs
If properly implemented, a diverse workplace will generate more income for the company in the form of broader sales and greater productivity. In some cases, however, greater workplace diversity may require an initial investment. For example, if the company hires an employee in a wheelchair, it may need to install ramps and elevators to let that employee move about more readily. Or it may need to spend time and resources teaching current employees a new language to better communicate with new workers from a different country or culture.
Adaptability
According to The Multicultural Advantage, a more diverse workplace offers more potential solutions to problems and a more flexible office environment. Employees reflecting a wide variety of experiences are more likely to provide a greater variety of options -- some of which may never be considered by a less diverse workplace -- and can possess more experience in implementing such options. That adaptability gives the company the ability to face challenging situations more readily, and thus respond to changes in the business environment.