Answer to Question #246772 in Management for KANYINGA

Question

Evaluate the factors that have an effect on diversity?

Answer 1

Discussion

Diversity is the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing each individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.

Diversity is a reality created by individuals and groups from a broad spectrum of demographic and philosophical differences. It is extremely important to support and protect diversity because by valuing individuals and groups free from prejudice and by fostering a climate where equity and mutual respect are intrinsic, there is a success-oriented, cooperative, and caring community that draws intellectual strength and produces innovative solutions from the synergy of its people.

Diversity does not only mean acknowledging or tolerating difference. It also involves several set of conscious practices;

• Understanding and appreciating interdependence of humanity, cultures, and the natural environment.
• Practicing mutual respect for qualities and experiences that are different from other people.
• Understanding that diversity includes not only ways of being but also ways of knowing.
• Recognizing that personal, cultural and institutionalized discrimination creates and sustains privileges for some while creating and sustaining disadvantages for others.
• Building alliances across differences so that people can work together to eradicate all forms of discrimination.

Generally, diversity involves, knowing how to relate to those qualities and conditions that are different from other peoples’ and outside the groups to which different people belong, yet are present in other individuals and groups. These include but are not limited to age, ethnicity, class, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, as well as religious status, gender expression, educational background, geographical location, income, marital status, parental status, and work experiences. It is important to note that categories of difference are not always fixed but also can be fluid, it is good to respect individual rights to self-identification, and recognize that no one culture is intrinsically superior to another.

Reference

Weitzman, M. L. (1992). On diversity. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 107(2), 363-405.