Reference no: EM132872090

Diversity Training in Organisations

With the dual effects of globalisation and workforce mobility increasing, diversity training is becoming a more pressing priority for human resource development (HRD) professionals. Lai and Kleiner (2001) define diversity training as the process by which a workforce is educated about cultural, socio-economic, racial and religious differences among employees and taught how to embrace those differences so as to create and maintain an effective work environment. Diversity training, therefore, educates and trains employees to embrace difference, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, class or any other related dimension. Pendry et al. (2007) identify the primary goal of diversity training as facilitating the integration of minority groups into the workplace by attempting to confer on the workforce the skills, knowledge and motivation to work productively alongside dissimilar others and interact effectively with a diverse customer population. The intent of diversity training is, therefore, to reduce and end workplace discrimination and harassment of minority groups (Hemphill and Haines, 1997).

A summary of diversity training priorities at the individual, group, organisational and societal level can be found in the table below.

Diversity Training Priorities Across Levels of Analysis

Individual Level

• Harness positive attitudes to diversity
• Promote an understanding of the effects of power and privilege
• Educate employees about diversity
• Develop and frame of self-identity
• Help employees overcome diversity barriers

Group Level

• Promote teamwork through inclusive activities
• Foster respect and tolerance of difference
• Review group values Improve access and support
• Re-examine recruitment, promotion and other practices

Organisational Level

• Provide career mentoring and coaching programmes
• Develop organisational policies towards diversity
• Promote a positive diversity climate
• Facilitate diversity workshops
• Appoint diversity champions

Societal Level

• Promote equality and social justice
• Eliminate discrimination
• Encourage greater participation of diverse groups
• Foster positive relations amongst diverse groups
• Dissemination of good practice

Select TWO priorities from each level that you believe are the most important. Give the reason for your selections.