Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Create An Organizational Culture That Values Diversity

Diversity in an organization should always be welcome.


Diversity is a source of strength, not weakness. Diversity in the labor force and in the corporate discourse produces more original ideas and therefore increases productivity. However, creating an organizational culture that values diversity is easier said than done, as inertia and misunderstanding of the advantages hamper implementation of diversity. Still, certain efforts can help you create an organizational structure that values diversity.


Instructions


1. Analyze your corporate culture with respect to the diversity in your organization. Diversity means more than just hiring all types of employees. It requires a respect for people with different backgrounds and who express different ideas.


2. Think about how you'd like to change the culture of your organization and the best way to achieve your goal. For example, you can organize regular weekend corporate events where employees better get to know each other. Plan some team-building exercises that will cement your workers' bond as a team.


3. Make your staff attend a diversity workshop. Diversity classes expose employees to new ideas, encourage acceptance of one another and may result in higher productivity. If there are difficulties with your employees taking a full course, invite a diversity expert to your office for a series of on-site classes.


4. Appoint a diversity officer, who will be part of human resources. The duties of a diversity officer can include providing several courses in diversity a year, and analyzing cultural awareness and acceptance in the firm. The diversity officer can also handle culture-related issues such as complaints and serve as a mediator in difficult situations involving employees.

Tags: diversity officer, that values, values diversity, your organization