Question

Over the past 50 years, the term diversity has evolved and taken on different meanings to different people. Is the talk of diversity unifying or further dividing people, teams, and organizations? Why?

Answer 1

I believe that the talk of diversity has had a unified affect on individuals, teams and organizations throughout our society. We continue to encourage this term to be expressed throughout our work force and within our schools. We are encouraged to understand more about individuals that are different from us, and accept everyone for who they are despite their social background or lifestyle. Embracing diversity allows us to come together to make decisions, accomplish tasks, or achieve goals. I believe that the unifying encouragement diversity brings reduces the act of stereotyping and prejudice because in a diverse workplace, any form of inappropriate behavior is unacceptable and is not tolerated. However, diversity is so much more than just the surface qualities of race or gender. It encompasses all qualities that make us unique, as an individual or as part of a group. As today's economy and businesses continue to expand, diversity moves to the forefront. In simple terms, I believe that diversity is learning from others that aren't the same as me. This can be seen as listening to ideas that are outside of the box and gathering a better understanding of an individual through their though process by putting aside our misperceptions about other individuals we may have. This is beneficial when it comes to getting to know who you are working with and trying to have a better understanding of our work community. The evolution of diversity has opened the doors for individuals to be more accepted by others within our society. Diversity is truly being open minded and accepting of other individuals and embracing our different qualities and attributes.