Diversity Working Today

'Racial Diversity Improves Group Decision Making In Unexpected Ways' cries the headline in red large letters. This conclusion is based on a Tufts University Research on the effect of racial diversity on group behavior. The new research indicates that 'diverse groups perform better than homogenous groups when it comes to decision making and that this is due largely to dramatic differences in the way whites behave in diverse groups - changes that occur even before group members begin to interact.'

Traditionally it was believed by many psychologists and scholars that the influences of racial diversity on any group is largely the responsibility of the minority groups. It is the minority members who are expected to bring new perspectives and experiences into the group. This study, however, brings to light a new kind of hypothesis that the white majority is also responsible for the effects of diversity.

Samuel R. Sommers, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology in the School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts University, further believed that such behavior is not only limited to jury decision-making, but that it can also be applied to business, higher education and other institutions that are faced with similar issues.

"Because the study examines group decision-making in a realistic setting, the findings have potential implications for a variety of contexts--from the classroom to the boardroom, or wherever a premium is placed on fact-finding and reaching a good decision," Sommers added. "Diverse groups show a number of advantages and benefits when it comes to this type of decision making."

posted by diversityworking @ 9:00 AM Comments: 0

I recently came across another blog named 'Exploring Gender' and this post, girls who flash, struck me as an example of how pathetic some females have become. They have no sense of decency and self-respect anymore. Why do you think this is happening? Are we rearing our females this way or are we lacking the right role models for them? So many questions went through my mind as I read this post.

posted by diversityworking @ 8:35 AM Comments: 0

For many decades, minorities in America have been exposed to discriminatory hiring. Inclusion into higher positions had been difficult for deserving individuals. As always their skin, their ethnicity, or their preferred gender had blocked their way to professional growth. However, the continuing flow of migrant workers and changing social values have elevated the concepts of 'diversity', 'inclusion' and 'affirmative action' to mainstream consciousness. Gradually human resources management have taken a positive view on keeping a diversified workforce.

Having a diverse workforce is valuable in the face of expanding markets and burgeoning economies in a global scale. For companies to stay competitive globally, the management must first recognize the value of diversity in the workplace, and then implement programs that will help minimize discrimination and resentment from the rest of the working populace, and maximize the the skills, knowledge and exerience of the present labor pool.

The different characteristics of a variety of people can make the workplace a rich source of talent, creativity, and perspective from which problem solving methods and innovative thinking can be utilized for the advancement of business endeavors. An employee from a foreign country can become a valuble asset when the company is marketing to that employee's home country. His deep understanding of local mores and cultural thought can more effectively sway public opinion towards the product or service the company is in business of marketing.

Alternatively, a highly diverse workforce can produce goodwill and raise the company's reputation as an equal opportunit employer. Public attitude, more than anything else, controls a company's existence as a business entity. Its products and services shall certainly flounder in the face of public scrutiny. Its ability to pursue its business activities shall surely be deterred by the loss of public trust and the subsequent government restrictions that will certainly follow in response to public outcry. Imagine the losses any company will incur because of inflexible rules in their recruitment process.

Moreover, on a rather cynical persepctive, companies that do not follow EEO laws can not enter into lucrative government contracts that can greatly contribute to its coffers.But over and above what was pointed out, the inclusion of hitherto underrepresented minorities into the workplace can give the U.S. economy a much needed boost. The dollar has been trying hard to keep itself afloat amidst rising world issues of terrorism and warfare in the Middle East. Nevertheless, the U.S. remains a powerful economic leader in the world.

posted by diversityworking @ 7:41 AM Comments: 0