Diversity in the Workplace. The

¶ … diversity in the workplace. The writer designs a social science research project with regards to diversity in the workplace. America has always prided itself of being the land of diversity. It is a country in which millions come each year to pursue the American Dream yet once they are here they discover that racism and bias are alive and well in most areas of life.

The workplace is an important element in anyone's life as it provides the means by which families are supported, material wealth is accumulated and success can be achieved. The workplace is where employees spend the majority of their waking hours and are able to showcase their professional talents and strengths. Recent years have seen a polarization in attitudes when it comes to cultural diversity. There are those who embrace diversity and believe that it brings a much needed balance to the table.

There are those who believe it is something that should be avoided and are not receptive to its existence. The problem in the workplace when it comes to diversity is that it can have a significant impact on the company function dependent on employee attitudes. The research team chose to study American General Corporation. It is a manufacturing company that also has a management department, a human resources department, a customer service department, a product development department and a marketing department.

This study examined the attitude about diversity and how it impacted the workplace in one company. Findings indicate that misunderstandings regarding diversity can interfere with effective communication in the workplace which in turn can have a negative impact on overall company function. METHODOLOGY There were several methodologies considered for the purpose of this study. In the research field there are many different methods of research that are found to be acceptable including case studies, surveys, experiments and observations. Each research study examines the issue using the method deemed most appropriate.

Case studies can be successful as they provide the ability to go into the subject in-depth. Surveys allow a broad geographic base to be reached as well the preservation of anonymity on the part of the participant. Experimentation provides first hand results. For the purpose of this study the researcher believed that the most accurate and cost effective method would be the observation method. Observation provides the opportunity to see the events in their natural settings and surroundings thereby creating a foundation of knowledge from unsuspecting participants.

This method was chosen for several reasons. The first reason was because it would allow the participants to be observed first without knowing they were being observed. This would prevent any changes on their behavior which might occur if they had known ahead of time that an observation or research study was taking place. The second consideration was cost. An observation method provides the opportunity to test a hypothesis without incurring unnecessary costs to be incurred.

The final reason that the observation methodology was chosen was because it allowed the ability to test the hypothesis in several settings of the company. This helped protect the integrity of the results by providing evidence that the results were not situationally created. HOW RESEARCH WAS CONDUCTED When the time came to begin the research it was determined that the most objective way to measure the results would be to observe each department individually and record the results.

The researcher was introduced to each department manager who was aware of the study though no one else being observed was told the purpose of the observation. The observation took place for a one week period with approximately a day and a half being spent in each department. The rationale behind the method used and the way it was conducted had to do with the desire to observe the participants in their natural settings without them knowing that they were being observed directly.

The researcher was introduced as a temporary employee and was instructed to take part in the daily operation of the department. Each time the researcher entered a new department he.