Discover Strength And A Competive Edge From Diversity!

Cultural diversity in the workplace provides strengths as well as challenges to businesses in today's competitive environment.

The United States is often thought of as the 'great melting pot' where anyone from any background can assimilate into a single society.

A more realistic and appropriate ideal is one of multi-culturalism (cultural diversity). Multi-culturalism is based on the idea that cultural identities should not be minimalized or ignored, but instead, should be leveraged and valued.

The importance of cultural diversity in the workplace has been, for the most part, accepted in American business. This is evidenced by the increased presence of women and minorities in the business world.

Diversity has gone from being a moral and/or legal issue into a business necessity.

As we move further into the 21st century, it will be necessary for business owners to pro-actively compete in a global arena.

A study by the Hudson Institute for the U.S. Department of Labor found that 85% of the new entrants into the workforce in the next decade will be women,m inorities, and immigrants. If you want your business to be successful and competitive in the future, you are wise to seek out and utilize these human resources and participate and help lead these diversity trends.

Why Does Cultural Diversity In The Workplace Matter?

Cultural Diversity matters to every single one of us, both professionally and personally. When a group or segment of our population is excluded or oppressed, all of our liberties are at risk.

For your businesss and community to not only survive, but to thrive, you need to be aware and sensitive to all members of your community. Thankfully, our communities are rich with amazingly talented human resources.

When all segments of our population are respected and utilized, it benefits everyone.

A great many people live on the margins of society. To be in a margin means that you are not a part of the mainstream, or popular culture.

Presently, mainstream in our culture is seen by many as those who fall within the categories of white, young, heterosexual, Christian, and male. In regards to cultural diversity in the workplace, you are on the margins if you are:

• a woman
• have an ethnic background that is non-white
• are not a heterosexual
• are not a Christian
• are not between the ages of 21-50

If you can answer "yes" to any one of these criteria, you live in the margins. This means that there are obstacles, prejudices, and stereotypes that others may unfairly assign to you.

Sadly, you can not automatically assume that society's view of you is unobstructed or based solely on your individual character, qualifications, or accomplishments. Unfortunately, you may be put in the situation to "second guess" or question other's motives in their interactions and responses to you.

Another fact this criteria illustrates is that more people live within the margins than do not. The majority DO NOT fit into the traditional mainstream.

So what are we to do? We can all work to encourage a more modern perception that includes people of all walks of life as competent and highly talented human beings.

America is the most diverse nation in the world. Cultural diversity in the workplace is becoming more and more desired. Our ethnicity, religion, life experience, etc., makes each of us unique. Many of the old ideas our nation once embraced about multi-culturalism are now considered to be inappropriate and outdated.

As an insightful leader you must learn to accept and value what is different from every member of your team and take steps to ensure that all team members respect each other for their varied opinions and approaches.

Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace

The key to management of cultural diversity in the workplace is for leaders to recognize, respect and capitalize on their worker's different backgrounds and life experiences to ensure a better product or service for their customers.

Not only can diverse management styles achieve the same, or better, results as traditional methods, but cultural diversity in the workplace can also help improve the company's competitive position in the marketplace.

Leaders can help team members to more readily embrace diversity by introducing sensitivity training, which is now common place in the corporate world. However, small businesses need to be aware of these issues as well.

As a small business owner, your awareness and respect of cultural diversity in the workplace truly matters to your employees and your client base.

By creating an environment of mutual respect and understanding in the workplace will ensure happy and productive workers.

Team Building Tools & Resources

Our team building articles provide great team building ideas and teamwork games that a leader can leverage to ensure positive team moral and increased production. You can also Utilize our entire library of free leadership and team building tools to grow your business to new heights! Download our free team building tools for the purpose of leading your team to greater results and improved profitability.

More Team Building Articles

» Negotiating Skill Tips - Creating the Win/Win
Learning the art of negotiation can make all the difference to making or getting the deal. Doing so consistently can lead to a very lucrative career.

» Team Building Skill Assessment for Today's Leaders
Take the team building development test and learn about your team player style.

» Delegate - You Can't Do It All
Stop accepting all the kudos and start learning to delegate in order to grow your team and improve in your leadership development. Giving your team members a chance to grow is what will keep you sane and successful.