Human Relations in Business

Chapter 15
Valuing Work Force Diversity

Brian Bettencourt
College of the Sequoias
June 12, 2020
What does Diversity mean to You?
Workforce Diversity
 Diversity in organizations has the
ability to understand the needs of
different market segments.
 Diversity is understanding the various
groups and people from one another.
 We are all different!
 Inclusion is being valued, respected,
and supported in an organization.
Dimensions of Diversity
There are 2 dimensions of Diversity.
1. Primary Dimensions: core characteristics of
individuals that cannot change.
 Age, race, gender, physical and mental
abilities, and sexual orientation.
 These are our individual identities.
 The > the number of primary differences
between people, the more difficult it is to
establish trust and mutual respect. Why?
Dimensions of Diversity
2. Secondary Dimensions: elements that
an individual has control over. Can be
changed and/or modified.
 Work experience, health habits,
religious beliefs, communication style.
 Blending of both dimensions adds a
fuller picture of who we.
 Helps shape our values, priorities, and
perceptions through life.
Prejudice
 What is Prejudice?
 Premature judgment without the
facts.
 What happens when all the elements
cloud our thinking?
 Form Stereotypes (generalizations)
 We make generalizations regarding
members of a particular group.
 Based on experiences and ignorance.
Prejudice
 Unconscious bias
 Ethnocentrism
Forms of Discrimination
 Discrimination is a product of
prejudice attitudes.
 Discrimination results in inequitable
treatment and opportunities.
Types of Discrimination
 Race: discrimination based on one’s
ethnic origin or skin color.
 The root of discrimination.
 Race discrimination often stems from
hate and distrust.
 Religion
Types of Discrimination
 Gender: discrimination based on
one’s gender.
 Advancements have been made, but
continues to be a problematic issue.
 Maternity leave.
 Religion
Types of Discrimination
 Age: discrimination based on one’s
age.
 Advantage and Disadvantage.
 60+
 The Profit Margin Dilemma.
Types of Discrimination
 Disability: discrimination based on one’s
physical or mental ability.
 American Disability Act
 Reasonable Accommodations
 Americans with Disabilities Act | United States
Department of Labor

 Sexual Orientation: discrimination based on

one’s sexual orientation.
 Growing awareness due to gay rights activists.