Diversity Case

1. Introduction

Diversity is representation of multiple groups within a prescribed environment, such as a workplace. The success of an organization depends on the workforce of the organization. A workforce made up of diverse individuals from different backgrounds can bring the best talent to an organization.

2. Definitions and Categories of Diversity

Diversity has no definite definition and same has defined in many different ways. However, all such definitions possess common basic features. In general diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization and it encompasses race, gender, ethnic group, age, personality, organizational function, education, background and more.

Historically, diversity was associated with affirmative action plans requiring employers to hire and promote under-represented groups of women and minorities. The goal of affirmative action was to assure that the workforce demographics of businesses were representative of the population demographics in the communities where the businesses operated.

Recent definitions of diversity are much broader in elaboration as detailed here after. The University of Tennessee Libraries Diversity Committee (2003) has defined diversity as a commitment to recognizing and appreciating the variety of characteristics that make individuals unique in an atmosphere that promotes and celebrates individual and collective achievement. Examples of these characteristics are: age; cognitive style; culture; disability (mental, learning, physical); economic background; education; ethnicity; gender identity; geographic background; language(s) spoken; marital/partnered status; physical appearance; political affiliation; race; religious beliefs; sexual orientation. The Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Diversity of University of California (2008) has defined diversity as the variety of experiences and perspective which arise from differences in race, culture, religion, mental or physical abilities, heritage, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and other characteristics.

Dimensions of diversity can be broadly categorized in to primary dimensions and secondary dimensions. Primary dimensions of diversity include inherent or inborn differences such as age, race, ethnicity, gender, mental and physical abilities and sexual orientation. Primary dimensions of diversity are the core elements that contribute in shaping and creating

unique self-image of an individual. Secondary dimensions of diversity are acquired in life time and there is a possibility of same to change from time to time throughout the life cycle of an individual. Secondary dimensions mainly include education, religious beliefs, marital status, parental status, income, work background, geographical location and etc. It is believed that when compared with primary dimensions, secondary dimensions have