Paradigm shift concepts and applications

¶ … Shift

The term "paradigm shift" implies not only a deep change in an external state of affairs but a change of consciousness. Integrating diversity in the workplace, while it may seem straightforward, involves a paradigm shift because of the nature of racism, sexism, and all other prejudices. These prejudices are ingrained, a part of the human psyche. As such, they affect all areas of life, especially social arenas like places of employment. A paradigm shift in the workplace would definitely entail greater diversity. Many places of employment are gross misrepresentations of the general populations. Even in businesses in which a large number of minorities are represented, those minorities rarely hold positions of power. Therefore, to create a paradigm shift, more minorities and women need to hold positions of power, prominence, and prestige.

It means nothing to have a substantial African-American contingent if all the supervisors are Caucasian. Filling quotas is not enough; diversity must be integrated on all levels of the corporate hierarchy. This can be done through traditional means of affirmative action. Because prejudice is still ingrained in the American psyche, affirmative action is necessary to ensure representation and equality. Minorities and women are often overlooked because of their physical appearance and it is essential that this change.