Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
How are workplace diversity and equal rights different?
Equal rights are focused on the importance of providing all employees access to opportunities without any type of discrimination. Workplace diversity not only acknowledges these differences in people, but also accepts, understands, and values these differences.
What are some common behaviors related to challenges presented by diversity?
Prejudice - a general attitude to the members of a group; Stereotype - a general belief about the members of a group; Discrimination - a behavior directed at the members of a group.
What are benefits to diversity?
Appreciating and valuing the differences between coworkers can result in decreased employee turnover, increased productivity, enhanced business image, increased creativity and innovation, and stronger team spirit and morale among employees.
What are some of the challenges with diversity?
Challenges can include insensitivity to others resulting from fear, ignorance, or apathy, inherent prejudices that were never recognized until now, and others that also believe in common cultural stereotypes.
What are ways I can promote and encourage diversity?
As an employee, you can avoid telling offensive jokes, avoid listening to and spreading office gossip, be inclusive to all coworkers, be open minded about differences, ask questions, pay attention to coworkers' responses, listen carefully and actively, and discuss issues as they occur.