Diversity exists in a group or organisation when its members differ from one another along one or more important dimensions.
Meaning of Diversity
Diversity exists in a group or
organisation when its members differ from one another along one or more
important dimensions. It may be noted that diversity is not an absolute
phenomenon. It has to be viewed as a continuum. For instance, if everyone in a
group is exactly like everyone else, there is no diversity. Similarly, if
everyone in the group is completely different from the other, it implies total
diversity. However, in reality these are hypothetical situations. Most of the work groups
are characterized by a level of diversity somewhere between these extremes. That
being the case, diversity at workplace should be seen in terms of degree or
level of diversity along various dimensions.
The various dimensions of
diversity include gender, age, ethnic origin, colour, among others. For
instance, a group comprising five male young men from Tamil Nadu in a workplace
has relatively little diversity. If one member is replaced by a young female
from Tamil Nadu, the group becomes a bit more diverse. If another member is
replaced by a young man from Punjab diversity increases a bit more. Further, if
a third member is replaced by a young man from Assam, the group becomes even
more diverse. That is how, diversity in a work place has to be seen and
understood.
Tags : Management Concepts & Organisational Behaviour - MANAGING DIVERSITY
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