Perspectives of Diversity

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Let's consider the two perspectives.

RESPONSE:

1. Explain the implications of the diversity perspective on human behavior in the workplace.

Overview of Discrimination and fairness perspective. The work groups aspire to being color blind, so conversations around race are limited, she said. They believe there is no connection between race and the work, but racial bias can end up being destructive in the work group.

Research suggests that this discrimination and-fairness perspective on diversity has been embraced by many organizations attempting to diversify. This approach is based on the assumption that certain personal factors, such as gender and race, are relevant only if they act to trigger others' negative reactions. Therefore, these reactions are a potential source of negative intergroup conflict to be identified and avoided in all work tasks (Thomas & Ely, 2001). In the workplace, the "discrimination and fairness paradigm focuses on equal opportunity, fair treatment, and compliance with legal requirements" (National Academy of Engineering (NAE), 2002).

This perspective sets up awareness of potential areas of conflict that can be prepared for upfront by the organization, like calling a meeting when conflict disrupts, having open door policies, have the upper management act as role model in promoting the benefits of individual differences, have sensitivity training on diversity issues if/when racism raises its ugly head. Organizations also develop discrimination policies based on discrimination laws that are often included in an Employee handbook that employees have easy access to, with this policy also including a complaint process and potential consequences for those violating the principles in the policy. ...