Diversity on the Job: The Importance of Diversity and the Changing Workplace





Imagine for a minute that you work in a place where everyone is the same. All of your coworkers are of the same ethnicity, gender, educational background, and socioeconomic standing. Would you be able to easily generate new ideas? Would the group have the ability to understand things from a different point of view? Without diversity in the workplace, organizations run the risk of becoming monocultural and only viewing things from a very limited perspective. The organization provides the structure for operation of the business and often defines the culture, but it's the individuals interacting within the organization who carry out the mission of the organization. Rather than address the legal underpinnings and requirements related to diversity, this course focuses on how to leverage the diversity that exists within the organization. It defines diversity and dispels some common myths that surround the topic of diversity. The importance of diversity within the ever-changing workplace is described, including the impact of globalization. This course also discusses the barriers and challenges that must be overcome in order to create a diversified working environment. Materials designed to support blended learning activities aligned with this course are available from the Resources Page.


Individuals who have an interest in cultivating their understanding of diversity in the workplace


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Diversity and the Changing Workplace

  • identify key concepts related to diversity in the workplace
  • identify the benefits enjoyed by companies that value diversity as a desirable characteristic of their organization
  • recognize the implications of the principal barriers to diversity in the workplace


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