Reflection on Diversity, Essay Example

Introduction

Diversity is a challenging concept at an individual level because it requires an understanding and acceptance of many different types of cultures and representations throughout society, some of which are difficult for others to understand. Diversity is experienced in the workplace environment, in social settings, and in almost every other aspect of life; therefore, it must be identified in the context of its ability to impact individuals and enable them to have a voice, even when there is no room for that voice in an already crowded room.

Analysis

Feeling invisible is not an uncommon reality and has occurred throughout my life, from grade school to high school, in college, and in my professional career. Specifically, the workplace has been challenging when I am viewed as the minority from a cultural point of view. I believe that this experience is limiting for many people and requires an understanding and acceptance of many different points of view in order to demonstrate the value of developing a framework for success and achievement (Harvey & Allard, 2012). Organizations must align their behavior with diverse thoughts and principles in order to maximize inclusion and enable employees to feel as if they have a voice (Harvey & Allard, 2012). At the same time, diversity inclusion must be examined from a global point of view and convey the importance of multiculturalism without discrimination in how projects and opportunities are managed in the workplace environment (Barak, 2013; Ragins, 2012).

Conclusion

It is necessary for organizations to develop effective protocols to manage diversity in the workplace that go beyond the basics. This will contribute to a more inclusive and proactive work environment and also support the need for additional frameworks to minimize the perception of invisibility and to encourage employees to take a stand for their values and principles. These options will go a long way in supporting acceptance and diversity at the workplace level.

References

Barak, M. E. M. (2013). Managing diversity: Toward a globally inclusive workplace. Sage.

Harvey, C.P., & Allard, J.M. (2012). Understanding and Managing Diversity, 5^th Edition.                      Pearson.

Ragins, B. R. (2012, January). The Spillover of Community Racial Diversity and Diversity Climate to the Workplace. In Academy of Management Proceedings (Vol. 2012, No. 1, 1-1). Academy of Management.