Reference no: EM132226137
Cultivating Diversity at Saving Dollars
Cultivating diversity in organizations needs to be a well-planned effort supported by all managers with a commitment to address diversity as seriously as they do other management challenges. A diverse workforce combines workers from different backgrounds and experiences resulting in a more creative and productive workforce. Diversity reflects the customer market, so managing diversity improves the way the organization operates.
Research has shown that organizations can increase the number of female and black workers when specific responsibility to achieve these diversity goals is assigned to individuals or groups. Mentoring programs were found to create moderate change but diversity training programs, without other diversity efforts in place, were found to be ineffective. In addition, all managers must learn to actively develop the skills and practices that enable people of every background to do their best to reach the organization's goals. There are five components for developing an organization's diversity: 1) top management commitment; 2) assessing achievement of goals; 3) attracting employees; 4) training for diversity; and 5) retaining employees.
Read the mini-case and answer the questions that follow.
Saving Dollars is a large-scale retail organization with a cost-cutting strategy. In alignment with their strategy, they are very conscientious of their labor costs. To keep labor costs low, Saving Dollars has replaced some older, higher paid workers who have retired from their full-time jobs with younger, lower paid workers. Because Saving Dollars knows how much turnover can cost, they require employees to work full time and provide a benefits package. Their training and development department has implemented a training program for all new employees that is aimed at decreasing the learning curve for taking inventory using the store's proprietary software. This particular proprietary software is revolutionary, allowing all employees to take inventory via a custom application on their cell phones as they work their sections of the store. Managers are trained by their mentors to manage each employee in exactly the same way through applying the "Saving Dollars Management Principles." Employee benefits are similar for everyone. Saving Dollars is very proud of all these benefits; combined with their innovative inventory management system and great manager training by mentoring, Saving Dollars is a great place to work.
1. Which of the following best describes Saving Dollars' benefits package?
A) It is appropriate for just a younger demographic group.
B) It is generous and is well-suited for older employees.
C) It is generous and has something for everyone.
2. Which statement best captures the way in which managers are trained to manage employees at Saving Dollars?
A) Each employee should be managed exactly like everyone else.
B) Each employee should be treated per guidelines for their specific demographic group.
C) Each employee should be treated like an individual, and managed differently.
3. Saving Dollars management uses which of the components for building diversity?
A) The company is conducting an organizational assessment
B) The company is attracting a diverse group of employees
C) The company is not cultivating diversity
4. Which of the following clearly captures Saving Dollars' work arrangements?
A) They provide alternative work arrangements.
B) People can only work full time.
C) They accommodate work and family needs.