Business Culture and Responsibilities Assignment_ Learning Outcome 02 (GC01072)

Unit 1: Business Culture and Responsibilities

Learning Outcome: 02

Task 2.1 Explain what is meant by ‘diversity in the business context

Diversity can be defined as acknowledging, understanding, accepting, and valuing differences among people with respect to age, class, race, ethnicity, gender, disabilities, etc. (Esty et al. 1995).

Companies need to embrace diversity and look for ways to become inclusive organizations because diversity has the potential to yield greater work productivity and competitive advantages (SHRM 1995). Stephen Butler, the co-chair of the Business-Higher Education Forum, believes diversity is an invaluable competitive asset (Robinson 2002). Managing diversity is a key component of effective people management in the workplace (Black Enterprise 2001). Demographic changes (women in the workplace, organizational restructuring, and equal opportunity legislation) will require organizations to review their management practices and develop new and creative approaches to managing people. Positive changes will increase work performance and customer service.

The number of dual-income families and single working mothers has changed the dynamics of the workplace. Changes in the family structure mean that there are fewer traditional family roles (Zweigenhaft and Domhoff 1998). Significant changes in the workplace have occurred due to downsizing and outsourcing, which has greatly affected human resource management. Globalization and new technologies have changed workplace practices, and there has been a trend toward longer working hours (Losyk 1996). Generally speaking, organizational restructuring usually results in fewer people doing more work. Changes in federal and state equal opportunity legislations have made discrimination in the workplace illegal. These laws specify the rights and responsibilities of both associates (employees) and employers in the workplace and hold both groups accountable.

Diversity is beneficial to both associates and employers. Although associates are interdependent in the workplace, respecting individual differences can increase productivity. Diversity in the workplace can reduce lawsuits and increase marketing opportunities, recruitment, creativity, and business image (Esty et al. 1995). In an era when flexibility and creativity are keys to competitiveness, diversity is critical for an organization’s success. Also, the consequences (loss of time and money) should not be overlooked.

There are challenges to managing a diverse work population. Managing diversity is more than simply acknowledging differences in people. It involves recognizing the value of differences, combating discrimination, and promoting inclusiveness. Managers may also be challenged with losses in personnel and work productivity due to prejudice and discrimination, as well as complaints and legal actions against the organization (Devoe 1999).

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Task 2.2 Recognise the benefits of having a diverse workforce

The modern strategy of executing business involves various techniques by which the marketers diversify their workforce. Diversity is the modern approach of managing the employees in an organization to promote their business. Different business companies apply diversification methods in different ways. Here there are some examples of the benefits of having a diverse workforce in the workplace:

Increase in Productivity: Workforce diversity can bring about an increase in productivity and competitive advantages. Conclude Kelli A. Green and her University of Florida colleagues in their paper, “Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges, and the Required Managerial Tools.” Employers can offer more solutions to customers because of new ideas and processes brought into the organization.

Increase in Creativity: In atmospheres when brainstorming is necessary, more ideas are formed because team members are culturally diverse. Workforce diversity increases creativity within a company because heterogeneous groups are cross-fertilizing one another within the organization. According to Ethno Connect, a consulting company specializing in workforce diversity, employees from different backgrounds bring in a variety of solutions on how to achieve a common goal. As more diverse ideas are suggested, the chances of finding a workable answer are improved.

Language Skills: An increased presence usually results in an increase in sales. Companies that plan to expand into global markets benefit from language diversity in the workplace. For example, a company with employees fluent in Japanese and who understand Japanese culture experiences an easier time communicating with representatives from Japan. Many bilingual workers experience an advantage when applying for jobs because employees understand the benefits of language diversity.

Positive Reputation: Job seekers are drawn to companies with diverse workforces because it is evident that companies do not practice employment discrimination. Potential employees want to know that employers treat their staff fairly regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender. Not only are such firms able to attract new talent but they can also retain existing talent because of high employee morale resulting from workforce diversity…………

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