The True Nature of Diversity Management
By Kenneth Rice -
The inability to manage diversity in the workplace can be extremely harmful. It can cost in discrimination suits, litigation time and money, high employee turn over rates, and a negative community image. A productive and innovative work environment won’t happen with yesterday’s management practices. Your employees must both want to and be able to contribute to their maximum potential. “Diversity can build not only a healthy environment, but also a healthy economy. From a micro-economic point of view, differentiation in cultural and gender perspectives can help to eliminate blind spots and prevent a particular homogeneous group from going lock step in the wrong direction.” [1]
The objective of diversity is to unify the entire organization and deepen the cultural change within the institution so that processes, communication and actions align with institutional beliefs, values and priorities. In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the distinctions that separate us are no longer significant. “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free…” [2] Organizations that desire to reach their full potential must transcend all barriers and engage all people, from all cultures, races, and backgrounds.
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[1] Spitzer, Robert J. (2000). The Spirit of Leadership: Optimizing Creativity and Change in Organizations. Provo, UT Executive Excellence.
[2] Holy Bible. (1997). King James Version. Zondervan Publishing, Grand Raids, MI. Colossians 3:11.
Lieutenant Ken Rice is an Active Duty Naval Officer stationed in Norfolk VA. He is currently assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Force’s Warfare Requirments Directorate as the FORCEnet Requirements Officer. Lieutenant Rice is responsible for the program analasys and budget oversight for Information Technology Transformation for the Surface Fleet. He is currently enrolled at Regent University working towards a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.
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