Reference no: EM132764083

Managing Diversity in Organization

Question 1. Over the past 50 years, the term diversity has evolved and taken on different meanings to different people. Is the talk of diversity unifying or further dividing people, teams, and organizations? What does the word diversity mean to you?

Question 2 Diversity in an organization takes on many faces (e.g., gender, age, sports preferences). What does it mean to have organizational diversity? In your line of work (or field of interest), do you feel it is important to have organizational diversity? Why?

Question 3. Diversity has many advantages and disadvantages within an organization. In regards to gender identity and embracing diversity in the workplace, do you consider yourself an accepting person? How important is it to you to accept diversity? Remember that there are no right or wrong answers; this is simply a reflection.

Question  4. Please respond to questions from both of the following scenarios:

• An individual who looks different than you (color, age, ethnicity, disability, or orientation) comes into your favorite dining establishment. Some of the restaurant staff treat him or her poorly, providing lesser service to the individual. You hear snide (off-color) remarks being made by staff and fellow patrons. What action do you take?

• Similar scenario, though instead of a restaurant, it is coworkers mistreating a coworker who is visibly different than they are. What actions would you take, and why? Please explain.

Question 5. Should workplace diversity be driven by balancing differences or by hiring and selecting the most qualified individual for the position? If you were creating a new position for your team, do you think the new position should be developed to the individual, or do you think an individual should be hired for the specific job requirements? Why?

Question 6.

There is a history of diversity legislation. Do you think that creating new legislation assists in making a stronger nation? At the organizational level, what do you think is one alternative to building a stronger and more accepting nation without resorting to implementation of legislation? Why?

Question 7.

Respond to one of the two options:

Option 1: Thomas is a prominent leader in his organization. Over the past several years, Thomas' weight has fluctuated from morbidly underweight to morbidly overweight and back to morbidly underweight. The organization has given Thomas a performance improvement plan due to attendance issues resulting from concerns of the weight fluctuations. Thomas has consulted with an attorney regarding whether there is possible discrimination occurring by the organization. Do you think the organization is discriminating against Thomas? If you were the employer and you were truly concerned about Thomas, how would you handle this situation? Is a performance improvement plan appropriate here? Why, or why not?

Option 2: Sally and Roger have worked as a team in their organization for several years. Sally is age 64. Roger is age 67. Both are in fair health. Roger has type II diabetes and takes heart medication. Sally is a cancer survivor from 10 years ago with no recurrences. The team has made significant revenue for the company over the last 40 years, independently and collectively. The company does not have a written policy regarding mandatory retirement at age 65. Both Sally and Roger have slowed in their productivity though perform well above expectations by the organizational standard set. At the recent annual performance evaluation, Sally was encouraged by her boss (an owner in the organization) to look to retirement due to her increased health issues. Roger was encouraged to retire due to his work slowing down and increased errors in his judgement. Such issues had never been mentioned before. Do you think there is a viable case for discrimination regarding health and disability? Do you think there is a case of ageism to be considered regarding the organization and the owner? If you were the employer, how would you handle these issues?

Question 8. The past eight units have provided a wealth of information regarding diversity within organizations. How will you use this information and knowledge and apply it to your current and future work?