Diversity Training Effectiveness, Essay Example

Measuring the effectiveness of diversity training in the workplace and its impact on organizational effectiveness can be challenging.  According to McMahon (2010) the effectiveness of diversity training tends to be less linear than other programs such as sales training.  In sales training, there is a direct relationship between the training and subsequent sales volume.  The relationship between diversity training and organizational effectiveness is more complex (Choi & Rainey, 2010).

An evaluation approach using a quantitative method might include an examination of performance metrics before and after the training.  In this type of study care must be taken to isolate the training from other workplace variables that might have affected performance during that timeframe.  Quantitative research is typically more scientifically valid since it can be measured in definitive numerical terms.  The problem with using this method for this study is that the effectiveness of diversity training tends to be more subjective and evident over a longer period of time.

A qualitative research tool that might be more effective would be a survey.  Such a survey would include a series of questions asking employees to rate their perceptions of the training’s effectiveness.  To provide the most useful data without having to code written answers, a Likert scale should be used.

Using a qualitative survey is less scientifically valid than evaluating specific performance metrics data.  Given however, the nature of the training material and the fact that it cannot be directly correlated with performance over a short period of time, this method might be the best in this case.

References

(Choi S Rainey H 2010 Managing diversity in U.S. federal agencies: Effects of diversity management on employee perceptions of organizationan performance)Choi, S., & Rainey, H. (2010). Managing diversity in U.S. federal agencies: Effects of diversity management on employee perceptions of organizational performance. Public Administration Review, 70(1), 109-121. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&hid=112&sid=272fcf76-7e79-4069-8e1d-473aad169858%40sessionmgr110

(McMahon A 2010 Does workplace diversity matter? A survey of emperical studies on diversity and firm performance)McMahon, A. (2010). Does workplace diversity matter? A survey of emperical studies on diversity and firm performance. Journal of Diversity Management, 5(2), 37-48. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=3&hid=112&sid=272fcf76-7e79-4069-8e1d-473aad169858%40sessionmgr110