Diversity and Inclusion
Notes on Diversity
diversity is concerned with groups and dyads (two people working together). people must be able to compare their attributes to the characteristics of others. diversity is concerned with differences among people. the focus on differences means that diversity is concerned with variations among group members. diversity is concerned with both objective and subjective ways in which people differ. by objective differences, we are referring to readily observable or quantifiable differences (age, political preference). subjective differences depend on people's perceptions of being different. finally, diversity is concerned with differences that are socially meaningful. some characteristics are socially relevant because of historical, cultural, or systemic phenomena that have served to privilege some people over others.
Value-in-diversity/inclusion hypothesis
diversity/inclusion can positively influence desired individual, group, and organizational outcomes
Information diversity
those differences based on knowledge and information oftentimes resulting from variations in education, functional background, training, and organizational tenure
Value diversity
those differences in value, attitudes, and beliefs
Changes in the nature of work
increases in the number of organizations that structure work around teams, the impact of globalization, and the frequency of mergers and acquisitions
Surface-level diversity
differences among individuals based on readily observable characteristics such as age, sex, race, and physical ability
Inclusion
the degree to which an employee perceives that he or she is an esteemed member of the work group through experiencing treatment that satisfies his or her needs for belongingness and uniqueness inclusion involves how well organizations and their members fully connect with, engage, and utilize people across all types of differences inclusion means being fully part of the whole while retaining a sense of authenticity and uniqueness
Diversity
a characteristic of social grouping that reflects the degree to which objective or subjective differences exist between group members diversity is reflected by heterogeneity and the demographic composition of groups or organizations diversity refers to the variations of traits, both visible and not, of groups of two or more people
Changing attitudes toward work
changes in the commitment and loyalty toward employers and decreasing connection with the workplace among employees
Deep-level diversity
differences among individuals based on psychological characteristics
Negative effects of exclusion
exclusive organizational practices and cultures can lead to negative outcomes such as low satisfaction, conflict, and poor team performance
Legal mandates
federal and state laws that require equal employment opportunities for all persons, irrespective of demographic characteristics or background
Notes on Inclusion
inclusion is experienced by individuals but takes on a shared property inclusion at its core satisfies two basic human needs: 1) the need to feel valued, accepted, and part of a larger group; and 2) the need to be recognized for and able to express fully one's individuality and the personal identities that one considers important. inclusion represents the degree to which employees are free to express their individuated self and have a sense of workplace connectedness and belonging.
Changing demographics
increases in the median age, proportion of racial minorities, women in the workforce, and inequity of income distribution in the U.S.
Social pressures
the notion that organizations have a moral and ethical obligation to have a diverse, inclusive workplace
