Read The Article By Turnbull Greenwood, Tworoger, And Golden

Read The Article By Turnbull Greenwood Tworoger And Golden 2009 En

Read the article by Turnbull, Greenwood, Tworoger, and Golden (2009) entitled, “Diversity and inclusion in organizations: Developing an instrument for identification of skills deficiencies”. May select an organization from your research. Select your main focus for this paper from the following issues: glass ceilings, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, ethnicity, non-conforming physical appearance, disability, and religious beliefs. Select one or at most two (if related) of these items. Address all of the following points in your paper: 1. What is diversity and why is it important? 2. As an HR manager, how would you advise employers to avoid liability in your selected issue? 3. What is the difference between compliance with laws and managing diversity? Why is this important? 4. What are the implications for managing diversity using Strategic HRM as differentiated from traditional HRM? This is a 5 page paper in APA format, excluding cover page and reference list. Please use three outside sources in addition to the article.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Diversity in organizations refers to the presence of differences among members of a workforce, encompassing various characteristics such as ethnicity, gender, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and other identity facets. Recognizing and valuing diversity is critical for fostering inclusive workplaces that promote innovation, employee satisfaction, and organizational success. As workplaces become increasingly globalized and culturally heterogeneous, the importance of managing diversity effectively has gained prominence (Roberson, 2019).

What is Diversity and Why is it Important?

Diversity embodies the variety of human experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives within an organization. It encompasses both visible attributes like ethnicity and gender, and invisible attributes like beliefs and values (Shen et al., 2009). The significance of diversity extends beyond moral and ethical considerations; it offers competitive advantages by broadening ideas, enhancing creativity, and improving decision-making processes (Cox & Blake, 1991). Empirical evidence suggests that diverse organizations are more innovative and better at problem-solving due to the multiple perspectives they harness (Page, 2007). Furthermore, embracing diversity aligns with social justice principles, fosters employee engagement, and helps attract a broader talent pool (Mor Barak, 2011).

Addressing Specific Issues: Focus on Religious Beliefs and Disability

This paper focuses on religious beliefs and disability, two critical dimensions of diversity that have significant implications in the workplace. Religious diversity involves respecting different faiths and religious practices, which may influence employee behavior, holidays, dress codes, and dietary restrictions. Disability encompasses physical, sensory, mental, or developmental impairments that may affect an individual's work capacity or accessibility needs.

Advice to Employers to Avoid Liability in Religious and Disability Issues

As an HR manager, I would advise employers to implement proactive policies that promote accommodation and prevent discrimination. For religious beliefs, it is essential to develop clear policies that allow for religious accommodation, such as flexible scheduling for religious observances or providing prayer rooms. Training managers to recognize and respect religious differences can reduce instances of inadvertent discrimination (Thomas, 2018). For disabilities, organizations should adhere to legal requirements such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring reasonable accommodations are provided, such as ergonomic workstations, assistive technology, or flexible work arrangements (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC], 2020). Establishing a grievance process and fostering an organizational culture that values inclusivity can help address concerns before they escalate into legal liabilities.

Difference Between Compliance and Managing Diversity

Compliance primarily involves adhering to laws and regulations designed to protect vulnerable groups from discrimination, such as the Civil Rights Act or ADA. Managing diversity, conversely, entails actively leveraging differences to enhance organizational effectiveness. While compliance might involve ticking legal boxes, managing diversity seeks to create an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive (Nishii & Mayer, 2009). This distinction is important because compliance alone does not guarantee an inclusive culture; organizations that only meet legal requirements may still face issues like low employee engagement or high turnover among marginalized groups. Effective diversity management encompasses strategies that foster belonging and equality beyond mere legal adherence.

Implications of Using Strategic HRM for Diversity

Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) integrates diversity management into the broader organizational strategy, aligning diversity initiatives with business goals. Unlike traditional HRM, which may focus on administrative compliance, SHRM proactively fosters a diverse workforce to drive competitiveness (Bartlett & Ghoshal, 2002). It involves leadership commitment, targeted recruitment, and development programs designed to build a truly inclusive culture. Strategic HRM recognizes diversity as a source of competitive advantage and emphasizes continuous measurement and improvement (D'Netto & Sohal, 1999). This approach leads to better innovation outcomes, increased market reach, and enhanced organizational reputation. Moreover, SHRM mitigates risks associated with discrimination lawsuits by embedding diversity into core organizational practices.

Conclusion

Managing diversity effectively is essential for organizational success in today’s multicultural and dynamic environment. While legal compliance remains a foundational requirement, embracing strategic diversity initiatives fosters inclusive cultures that leverage differences for innovation and growth. Organizations must adopt proactive policies, foster inclusive leadership, and integrate diversity management into their strategic planning. By doing so, they not only reduce liability risks but also cultivate workplaces where all employees can succeed regardless of their religious beliefs or disabilities.

References

  • Bartlett, C. A., & Ghoshal, S. (2002). Building competitive advantage through people. MIT Sloan Management Review, 43(2), 33-41.
  • Cox, T., & Blake, S. (1991). Managing cultural diversity: Implications for organizational competitiveness. The Executive, 5(3), 45-56.
  • D'Netto, B., & Sohal, A. (1999). Human resource management and performance in Australian manufacturing: A review of the literature. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 10(4), 561-576.
  • Mor Barak, M. E. (2011). Managing Diversity: Toward a Globally Inclusive Workplace. Sage Publications.
  • Nishii, L. H., & Mayer, D. M. (2009). Do inclusive leaders help to reduce turnover in diverse groups? The moderating role of leader–member exchange in the diversity–performance relationship. Journal of Applied Psychology, 94(6), 1412–1426.
  • Roberson, Q. M. (2019). Disentangling the meanings of diversity and inclusion in organizations. Group & Organization Management, 44(4), 543-580.
  • Shen, J., Chanda, A., D'Netto, B., & Monga, M. (2009). Managing diversity through human resource management: An international perspective and conceptual framework. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 20(2), 235-251.
  • Thomas, D. A. (2018). Leading diversity and inclusion in organizations. The Academy of Management Annals, 12(2), 650–676.
  • U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). (2020). Disability Discrimination. https://www.eeoc.gov/disability-discrimination
  • Page, S. E. (2007). The Difference: How the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools, and Societies. Princeton University Press.