Diversity

Diversity

Synonyms for diversity include the following words; variety, multiformity, range, diversification and medley. All these words emphasize and recognize the value in diversity. While it is not always true that diversity is positive, the presence of diversity in society and in the workplace is quite necessary. Diversity has not always been seen as desirable, particularly in the United States. It has been only in the last couple of generations that cultural diversity has truly been embraced by the majority.

I have chosen, as required, 3 types of diversity characteristics to discuss in this paper. I have chosen to write about gender, age (or as I prefer to call in generation) and socioeconomic status.

I have elected to start with gender. It is true that some women had long been on the working landscape as teachers and nurses primarily. However, it was not until World War II that women entered the workforce in significant numbers. Since that time, greater numbers of women have entered the ranks of the working. Much has been said and written about the desegregation of the workplace by gender.

It is probably true that the presence of both men and women, on-the-job can create its own host of problems (sexual harassment, fraternization, etc.). However, it is my feeling that the incorporation of the sexes at work has been positive. Each gender brings his or her thoughts, ideas and opinions to the office in order to make contributions to the group or the team. When the working environment embraces such diversity, has safeguards in place to guard against any harassment or discrimination and all participants are made to feel equal; the place of employment is so much the better for it.

In many cultures, the elderly are revered as the most experienced members of society. This is not always the case in the United States. It is a sad fact that age discrimination permeates the American employment way-of-life. I am certainly not a proponent of age discrimination in any way shape or form. However, of 3 types of diversity that I have chosen to discuss as well as the 9 listed to choose from, it is the most difficult to make a case for, especially at the office.

Typically, in the workplace and in society, there are huge disconnects between the generations. This was true when I entered the working world in my adolescence and it is true now that I am approaching middle age. I notice this in my own family with the ideas and notions expressed regarding my choice of employment, location of employment, vacation choices and financial decisions, to name a few. In the workplace, it is common for older workers to feel their power or their influence usurped by younger employees.

It is unfortunate that there is not more generational contact providing for the achievement of common goals whether in the workplace or in society.