Question

DiTomaso, Post and Parks-Yancy (2007) assert that the critical question is whether it is possible to retain a sense of difference without difference taking on a negative connotation. As companies increasingly depend on innovation to foster long-term growth and success, diversity in the labor force, as well as in the business and social environment, is both necessary and inevitable. If we cannot address the downsides of diversity in the labor force, then it will be difficult to reap the benefits.  
This is our challenge for the semester to identify the downsides to diversity, such as the unequal distribution of power; develop measures to address those issues, and thereby reap the full benefits of a vibrant, diverse workforce and society.

As you respond to these questions keep in mind the origins of your views. Remember that each of us brings unique perspective to these issues. Be aware of the possible origins of others’ views.

• What do these readings tell us about the cultural, economic, political and historical origins of individual and societal perspectives on diversity and their influence on the distribution of power in this nation?
• Why does Mazur find diversity in organizations to be a double-edged sword with both benefits and potential risks?
• Discuss the primary, secondary and tertiary dimensions of diversity. Why is this distinction pertinent?
• Explore the potentially negative aspects of diversity as described by Mazur.
• In what way do diverse work teams bring high value to organizations?
• DiTomaso, Post and Parks-Yancy (2007) state that diversity is a characteristic only of groups and not individuals. What does that mean to you?
• Discuss power, status, and numbers and identify which resonates most with you and why.

Answer 1

• What do these readings tell us about the cultural, economic, political and historical origins of individual and societal perspectives on diversity and their influence on the distribution of power in this nation?

[Answer]: Diversity is perceived as an advantage as well as an impediment.

Power is  being perceived as something that results primarily from position in a social structure. There is discomfort if power is growing in some portion of the society.

• Why does Mazur find diversity in organizations to be a double-edged sword with both benefits and potential risks?

[Answer]: Diversity is a double edged sword because of its benefits and downsides - while diversity fosters inclusiveness and innovation, it also has challenges such as the unequal distribution of power; develop measures to address those issues, and thereby reap the full benefits of a vibrant, diverse workforce and society.

• Discuss the primary, secondary and tertiary dimensions of diversity. Why is this distinction pertinent?

[Answer]: Workplace diversity has three major dimensions - primary, secondary and tertiary.

Primary - gender, culture, social class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, race, age, and mental or physical abilities

Secondary - educational background, religion, first language, family, status, work experience, income, communication style, and geographic location

Tertiary - beliefs, assumptions, perceptions, attitudes, values, feelings and group norms

Distinction is pertinent because it has a lot of influence on the workplace dynamics and influence on individuals.

Workplace comprises people who have a different mix of variables under the three dimensions, which guide them to be different in thinking and analyzing.

Read more at: https://yourstory.com/mystory/e1a2ac94c9-workplace-diversity-an

Read more at: https://yourstory.com/mystory/e1a2ac94c9-workplace-diversity-an

• Explore the potentially negative aspects of diversity as described by Mazur.

[Answer]: Discrimination, communication problems, relationship conflicts, and poor work structure .

Read more at: https://yourstory.com/mystory/e1a2ac94c9-workplace-diversity-an

• In what way do diverse work teams bring high value to organizations?

[Answer]: Diversity increases Creativity. Key engine to propel organization success through innovation.

• DiTomaso, Post and Parks-Yancy (2007) state that diversity is a characteristic only of groups and not individuals. What does that mean to you?

[Answer]: The focus here appears to be on workplace diversity.

• Discuss power, status, and numbers and identify which resonates most with you and why

[Answer]: Power is something which resonates more with me. Power is a very interesting preposition. In right amount it can result in more responsibility - and when out of proportion could lead to misuse and centralized decision making thereby introducing delays in the system of work. If poorly used, power could also lead to discrimination, communication problems, relationship conflicts, and poor work structure.