Diversity

Abstract

There are probably as many definitions of diversity as there are diverse characteristics of people. One definition states that: "Diversity is a mosaic of people who bring a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, perspectives, values and beliefs as assets to the groups and organizations with which they interact" (Guion, 1999, p.1). To understand and accepted Diversity you must first understand what it is to be different. This paper will cover four of many characteristics of diversity they are Ethnicity, Gender, Age, and Religion.

Also the demographics will be included. There will always be commonalities and differences among coworkers, but the key is to interact well with the coworkers. Also, you gain insight into their strengths, weaknesses, and skills, enabling you to use those as part of your repertoire of skills.

Diversity

Changing Demographics

The 2000 U.S. Census confirmed that minority groups are increasing at a rapid rate. Our country is more ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse than ever before in its history. The major factors for this rapid rate of growth are as follows:

* Large scale immigration;

* Globalization of goods, services and finances;

* Current immigration policy focusing on family unification; and

* Census 2000 allowed people to claim more than one race for the first time in history.

Some national statistics provide further evidence of the changing demographics:

In the past ten years, the Latino population increased more than 60%. The Latino population is slightly larger than the African American population. This was predicted to happen in 2010.

* Currently, 13% (34.7 million) of Americans identify themselves as African American.

* Asian Indians (2 million) are the fastest growing subgroup among all Asian groups in the United States.

* In 2000, Native Americans comprised 0.9% of the U.S. population.

* According to Census 2000, one in five Americans (17.9% of the population) over five spoke a foreign language in addition to English.

Foreign-born immigration is approaching levels not realized since 1900-1910. Based on reports from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, 11% of the total population in the U.S. is foreign born. In 2000, nearly 7 million people (2.4% of the entire population) identified themselves with more than one race. This means that people are beginning to recognize their multi-ethnicity.

Florida statistics for the year 2000, taken from Florida Quick Facts by the U.S. Census Bureau, also demonstrate the rapid demographic shifts occurring in this state:

* Persons of Latino origin comprised 16.8% of Florida's population.

* 14.6% of Florida's population identified themselves as African American.

* Asian persons in general account for 1.7% of the population of Florida.

* American Indian and Alaska native persons comprise 0.3% of the people in Florida.

* 23.1% of persons over five in Florida speak a foreign language in addition to English.

* Foreign-born immigration in Florida consists of 16.7% of the population.

Ethnicity

Defining ethnicity is not easy. It is not exclusively racial, or cultural, or religious, or even political. At its core it is probably psychological. It is whatever separates us from them; it is a shared sense of vulnerability, of shared fear, and at its best, of shared aspiration. When thinking about diversity, you must also consider diversity among and within ethnic groups. There is significant diversity within various ethnic groups in our society today. The main ethnic groups in the U.S. include African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and Native Americans. While there are common cultural threads within a certain ethnic group, there are also very distinct values, beliefs, and practices within the group. Other factors that can also contribute to diversity within an ethnic group are education, family background, and upbringing, etc. "The American dream is alive and flourishing. But for most of today's immigrants, the trail to the top is vastly different. They are starting family businesses instead of taking factory jobs. And new ethnic networks are providing the bootstraps." (U.S. News & World Report, 1988)

Gender

"Gender diversity in work groups and organizations is an especially important issue. The female civilian labor force has increased by 74% since 1975, and there are more women in the work force than ever before. As women enter the U.S. work force in greater numbers, they will likely be participating more at all levels of organizations; work groups will become more gender-balanced, and gender-based segregation in organizations will decrease. There is thus a need to examine the implications of gender diversity on work groups in organizations and to find ways in which these groups can be made more successful." (Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, 2005) Today, women are not generally seen as inferior to men in fact, it is common to hear that men are inferior to women. There are women who want to put work first and family second. Most women in the workforce do not see it as temporary or something to do until they "catch a man".

Organizations have been slowly adjusting to these changes, learning to treat women as the equals of men and not as a pool of potential dates.

Age

"With this diversity in age comes a different attitude toward workspace design. Some want the corner office with mahogany furnishings, while others want a