¶ … diversity encompasses a wide range of individual and community characteristics, spanning race, religion, gender, ethnicity, national and regional origin, sexual orientation, disability status, age, personal experiences, language, and even points-of-view. A diverse workplace celebrates these differences rather than regards them as obstacles to be overcome or asks employees to downplay them; it fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect. Using your own words, what does the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 outline?

The Act barred discrimination in public places, schools and employment based upon race, ethnicity, and religion and also barred discrimination in federally-funded programs and in interstate commerce ("Civil rights," 2015).

Q3. Identify and define each letter of an "S.W.O.T." analysis, then explain the reasoning and meaning of conducting such an analysis.

Strengths: Assets of the organization from an internal perspective

Weaknesses: Deficits of the organization from an internal perspective

Opportunities: Potential avenues to explore in the external environment

Threats: Problematic issues on the horizon in the external environment

SWOT is a strategic tool designed to enable the company to emphasize what it does well and correct problematic issues hampering future productivity while keeping an eye on potential avenues of growth which could affect it in the future as well as potential challenges from competitors.

Q4. What is task analysis?

A task analysis involves observing employees in their everyday working environment to determine the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required to perform the task. These may include physical tasks but also mental and intellectual activities, including the level of education demanded by the position.

Q5. Name and describe three of the five barriers to effective interpersonal communications.

External communication barriers include mental and physical distractions, such as someone who is preoccupied with another task or cannot hear what...

Internal/personal barriers include resistance to what is being said because of personal prejudices against the messenger or idea. Sematic barriers include an inability to understand the vocabulary or language or poor expression on the part of the communicator, including body language and tone ("Section 2," n.d., p. 81).
Q6. Explain four reasons why employees steal.

Employees may feel underpaid and underappreciated; they may do so because it is so easy to do so (improper monitoring systems); because they do not appreciate the financial consequences of small acts of stealing (including time theft); or because the benefits of doing so outweigh the apparent penalties (such as employees that can make substantial income by selling high-demand stolen goods like jewelry and electronics).

Q7. Identify and describe four of the seven steps of the interpersonal communications process.

The first step of the process is self-awareness or understanding why you are communicating in the first place -- before you can understand the other person you must be able to understand yourself; only then can you proceed to the second step of understanding what the other person needs and wishes to communicate; remaining calm is likewise essential; finally it is important not to have predetermined expectations about the conversation -- listen to what is said, not what you want to hear (Han).

Q8. Explain two advantages and two disadvantages to empowerment.

The great advantage to employee empowerment is that it allows employees to use their knowledge to make a unique contribution to the organization in a manner managers may not necessarily anticipate; it also motivates workers to perform at a higher level. The disadvantage is that employees may take the initiative and become too autonomous, even defying orders they were specifically given. This can also create more conflict in the organization.

Q9. Describe two of the three common distortions/weaknesses in doing performance appraisals.

Performance appraisals can be overly…