Diversity In The Workforce

Embracing Diversity

Diversity in the workforce is more common today than ever before. Although diversity has been a slow evolution over the years, it has become more prominent and evident in many companies. Not only is multiplicity happening, but many companies are making it a part of their mission. Businesses are learning more about the effects of diversity, receiving and promoting training on diversity and valuing the significant role it plays within their organization.

While there are companies that are embracing diversity, many companies are not. These companies may face obstacles and conflicts of which they are unaware of the negative impact to their bottom line. There have been organizations that have suffered serious consequences as a result of not incorporating diversity and sensitivity in the workplace. These consequences vary from losing the competitive edge to violence within their organization. Some of these companies have made a conscious effort not to embrace diversity, while other companies are ignorant to the idea. Either way, struggles in the future may occur.

According to the article The Business Case for Diversity, diversity contributes to four major factors: "Increasing Revenue or Gross margin; Enhancing compliance or reducing litigation; Enhancing Corporate Goodwill ('employee of choice'); and Part as the tone at the top when corporate leadership believes diversity is 'the right thing to do.'"(Orenstein, 2005, pg22)

This country, as well as others, has prominent businesses that have taken diversity to another level. These businesses have not only incorporated diversity within their workplace but have been recognized from outside sources for it.

Corporate America appears to be getting the message: embracing diversity can build a stronger, more competitive company. American Express, IBM, Boeing and Target are among some companies that take the advantage in embracing diversity. Business Ethics magazine annual ranking of diverse businesses named these four companies at the top as one that employs minorities and females in upper management positions.

American Express employs 43,477 employees at 1,224 US sites. "The statistics show American Express is doing admirable work: minorities make up 27% of its employee population, including 18% of the company's executives and senior managers, and 22% of its managers and supervisors; while women make up 62%, 40% and 57% of these groups." (http://greatplacetowork.com)/education/innovate/honoree-2004-amex.php According to Chairman and CEO Kenneth I. Chenault "In all that we do, we strive to create a more inclusive environment that will enable us to be successful in hiring and retaining the most talented individuals, from all backgrounds," (http://greatplacetowork.com)/education/innovate/honoree-2004-amex.php

American Express is known for its networks it provides to its employees. "Currently, American Express has 10 networks open to all employees organized around topics of interest to African-American, Asian, Christian, Gay & Lesbian, Hispanic, Jewish, and Native American employees, as well as for People over 40, People with Disabilities and Women." (http://greatplacetowork.com)/education/innovate/honoree-2004-amex.php.) These networks are beneficial to employee recruitment and retention initiatives, marketing efforts and business objectives of American Express.

UPS is another company that has been recognized for embracing diversity. "UPS is one of the most diverse workforces of any company in the nation and is widely recognized for it commitment to diversity. Since 1999, FORTUNE magazine has ranked UPS as one of the "50 Best Companies for Minorities" each year." (http://www.ups.com/community/diversity/workplace/main.html)

Statistics alone show how UPS promotes diversity however, it is how they promote diversity that makes them successful in their endeavors. UPS has a council that they have named the UPS Diversity Steering Council. This council consists of internal and external representatives whose vision is to "ensure that workforce, customer, and supplier diversity remain a visible core value that is integral to our business, our community relationships, and The UPS Charter." (http://www.ups.com/community/diversity/workplace/main.html)

UPS has focused on the importance of diversity in the workplace, according to Mike Eskew Chairman and CEO, "When you align a diversity of people and experiences behind a solid vision- you can indeed move mountains". (http://www.ups.com/community/diversity/workplace/main.html)

A common impact organizations face by not implementing diversity acceptance in the workplace is violence and racism in the workplace. Texaco is a good example of company that did not actively support a diverse culture. In 1996, Texaco paid "$175 million to settle a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by some of the company's African-American employees, the largest such settlement ever."(Labich, 1999, pg. 205) Blatant acts of racism and underpaying minorities were just a couple of the things that the lawsuit was based on. These disparaging acts were not only tolerated by the employee's but by Texaco managers as well. Due to the negative impact of the lawsuit, Texaco has tried to remedy their financial loss by taking action to be a model company of diversity. "Last year, minorities accounted for nearly 4 in 10 new hires at Texaco and more than 20% of promotions."(Labich, 1999, pg. 205).

Another example of a company that did not embrace diversity is Lockheed Martin Corp. The EEOC stated that Lockheed Martin Corp "allowed a racially charged atmosphere to grow at one of its factories for years, culminating in a deadly shooting spree by a white worker." (Joyce, 2004, pg. 1). An employee by the name of Williams shot 14 employees on the company grounds due to racial tension. Six of the victims died including Williams, who shot himself after completing the rampage. The EEOC found that Lockheed Martin did not support a diverse environment, which could have prevented the escalation, which resulted in the death.

The problem is outlined in the article; Bullying in the workplace is a violence warning sign. There are cases mentioned in the media where murders or racism have taken place due to an employers ignorance but the "day-to-day bullying and intimidation many employees experience from bosses as well as co-workers--experiences that can not only undermine morale and productivity, but, psychologist say, also lead to the worst kind of workplace."(http://www.apa.org/monitor/jul98/bully.html) If the company tolerates this negative behavior, it may lead to violence in the workplace and possibly death,