Diversity is rapidly gaining ground as an asset of industry in order to widen their market. This dramatic shift to a highly diverse work force is part of the organizations efforts to understand, accept, and capitalize on differences. The demand for new customer-focused products, the desire to reach global markets, and the need to tap a diverse workforce for talented employees drives this trend.[1] As cultural backgrounds and experiences of diverse employees and customers enrich organizations, making them more innovative and globally competitive organizations must keep in mind the benefits of diversity as an asset of empathy. By this I mean meeting diversity challenges through awareness, understanding, and compassion. [Diversity] is not simply a question of various peoples of various colors and genders and sexual orientation and physically challenged, and old, somehow coming together and feeling happy about being different. More than that: it's that we have the audacity to cut against the grain of most of human history which is a history of overlooking so many other peoples' suffering and pain and harm.[2] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] Lieberman, Simma. (2003). Putting Diversity to Work: How to Successful Lead a Diverse Workforce. Menlo Park, CA: Course Technology Crisp. Retrieved July 18, 2006, from http://site.ebrary.com/lib/regent/Doc?id=10058899&ppg=13. [2] West, Cornel (1996). Lesley College Diversity Day Keynote Speech, October 1996. The Journal of Pedagogy, Pluralism, and Practice. Issues 1 vol.1: Spring 1997. Cambridge, MA: A Publication of Lesley College. Retrieved electronically 18 July 2006 http://www.lesley.edu/journals/jppp/1/jp3ii2.html |
