Reference no: EM132225673

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. How would you describe Saving Dollars' inventory system?

A) revolutionary but likely difficult for older employees

B) revolutionary and enabling for diverse employees

C) revolutionary and easy for all to use

2. Which of the following statements best describes Saving Dollars' training and development?

A) It has extensive training for new employees only.

B) It includes skill training for older employees.

C) It includes diversity training.

3. 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.

4. 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