Workplace diversity: ethical imperatives and business advantages

Diversity

Cultural and individual diversity in the contemporary business environment and workplace is a topic of debate in many companies today. It is a subject that is often to be found in journals and literature on modern business. In essence, diversity in the workless is an issue that is concerned with "….recognizing, respecting and valuing differences based on ethnicity, gender, color, age, race, religion, disability, national origin and sexual orientation" (Business Case for Diversity). Furthermore, the subject of diversity also includes other differences that should be acknowledged and accommodated in the modern workplace. These include aspects such as "…communication style, career path, life experience, educational background, geographic location, income level, marital status, military experience, parental status and other variables that influence personal perspectives" (Business Case for Diversity)

The central reason that is given for the importance of diversity, and particularly cultural diversity, in modern business is that it is in the first instance a moral and ethical issue. In democratic societies it is felt that it is an ethical imperative and essential to recognize differences between people and not to marginalize or be prejudiced against others in the workplace because they have different views, cultures and potentials. This has resulted in the commonly held view that; "A culturally diverse, inclusive workforce is well supported by social work values and ethics" (Stretch, 2006).

There is another more practical reason for the importance of the acceptance and integration of diversity in business. This refers to the value of diversity in relation to business success and attainments. As one expert on this subject notes: "Workforce diversity needs to be viewed as a competitive advantage and a business opportunity" (Business Case for Diversity). In other words, diversity is seen as being positive in that it provides the business or company with a rich array of potential for growth and development. As one study states, " Diversity, then, is also about diversity of thought. And superior business performance requires tapping into these unique perspectives" (Black & Porter, 1991). The following discussion will briefly examine five areas of diversity in the modern workplace.

1. Ethnicity

The openness of a business to unprejudiced acceptance of differences in the ethnic and cultural composition of staff is related to the issues of social and political responsibility in a democratic society. In contrast, those businesses that are not open to individuals from different ethnic groups are criticized for not complying with basic socially accepted norms. In other words, the business should not base its recruitment of staff and the manner in which staff are promoted on color or ethic background but rather on the ability and potential of the individual or employee. The individual should feel that his ethnic background does not reflect negatively in any sense on his advancement in the company.

This is a subject that has come under the spotlight in labour issues and company policies in recent years. As one study notes, …race-ethnicity-based stereotypes and expectations, as well as outright prejudice, can influence formal and informal interethnic interactions. For example, during formal performance evaluations, white raters tend to weigh social behavior skills (e.g., friendliness, acceptance by others, sensitivity) more heavily for black ratees than white ratees..."

(Wanguri, 1996).

This is related to the issue of stereotypes of ethnicity that often unfairly prejudice individuals. There is a strong drive in most countries and businesses to eradicate inequality and prejudice based on ethnicity. This is also important from a practical business perspective, in that such inequalities and stereotypes tend to cause conflict within the company.

3. Gender

Gender and the 'glass ceiling' has been a centre of debate and contention in the last decade. Women in business have often felt discriminated against in terms of their gender and have in many cases been prevented from advancement in a male-centred world. This situation has changed to a great extent with the recognition of gender discrimination in companies and in the workplace.

The term 'glass ceiling' refers essentially to the obstacles that prevent women from achieving promotion and advancement in the business world. (Madden, 2000) It also refers to artificial barriers created on the basis of gender discrimination (Madden, 2000).The glass ceiling is therefore seen as a discriminatory practice that prevents diversity in the workplace. This fact has been formally recognized and legislation against it has been passed. The Glass Ceiling Act, as part of Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, was introduced by Senator Robert Dole and signed by President Bush. It has been widely recognises that women are just as capable as men in bringing new insight and perspectives into the business environment.

5. Religion

Religious diversity and its acceptance in the workplace are seen by many as an essential right. This has led to the concept of "respectful pluralism." Respectful pluralism means "…resisting company-sponsored religion and spirituality while allowing employees to bring their own religions to work" (Hicks, 2003, p. 2)

In essence this view provides the worker with the right to practice and observe aspects of his or her religion without interference from the business leadership. The modern enlightened attitude is therefore that leaders on business should "… create a culture of mutual respect that allows diverse employees to work together constructively" (Hicks, 2003, p. 2)

6. Sexual orientation (affinity)

The issue of sexual orientation in the workplace has for many years been a contentious issue. Until fairly recently, the issue of the acceptance of gay people in the business place was an areas of intense debate. However, in the contemporary business world this is largely no longer an issue. Gay rights and the right to choice of sexual preference and affiliation has been divorced from business and promotions issues.

Of course, there are still areas of discrimination that adversely affects diversity and prevents gay people from advancement and promotion - much as is the case with gender discrimination. There are now many laws to prevent discrimination in terms of sexual preference to affinity.

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, diversity in the workplace is seen by most enlightened business leaders as an important and even essential part of the competitive business world. Diversity is not only seen to be ethically correct but it also opens up and expands the company's business possibilities and potential.

However, it is also true that there are still many biases and prejudices against diversity in business. As Clark ( 2005) notes; "Workplace discrimination is alive and kicking, and statistics of job-related bias against African-Americans and women remain eye-opening" (Clarke, 2005, p. 38). Therefore, the ideal of true acceptance of the diverse potential of individuals in the workplace has still to be universally achieved. This will necessitate further research in order to create more effective policies which will ensure that bias and prejudice do not obstruct the natural expression of human diversity.