| Managing diversity
is one of the most important challenges facing managers and
their organisations. In today’s work environment co-workers
are increasing likely to be of different gender, age, religion,
cultural background, race and ethnicity. They will also differ
in terms of lifestyle choice, perspectives, attitudes, value
system, beliefs, behaviors, expectations, skills and experiences.
The complexity of differences
is wide ranging and because of that there is not one way of
doing things or seeing or being in the world. People are not
the same and although they want to be treated equally, this
does not translate to being treated the same This has implication
not just in respect to the workforce but also in the delivery
of public and private services, the design and development
of products and procurement activities.
These issues are not just about
discriminatory practices but they modify the nature and demands
placed on leadership and management and bring into prominence
the concept of diversity. How well or how prepared managers
are able to invest in the concept of diversity will impact
not just on work issues but also on sensitivity to customers’
needs, legal compliance, business’ ethical issues, profitability
and even social cohesion.
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