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Managing Diverse Employees

Chapter 5

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Learning Objectives1. Describe the increasing diversity of the workforce.

2. Understand the role which managers play in the effective management of diversity.

3. Describe the steps managers can take to effectively manage diversity.

4. Understand the two major forms of sexual harassment.

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Workforce Diversity Multiple generations in the workforce

Aging U. S. Population – median age increased 2.5 years from 1990 to 2000 to 35.3 years

Gender U.S. workforce is 46% female In 2005, women held 16.4% of Fortune

500 corporate officer jobs.

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Workforce Diversity Race and Ethnicity

Hispanic and Asian populations will triple in U.S. from 2000 to 2050.

Globalization of organizations mean working with individuals of difference races and ethnicity

Religion Accommodation for religious beliefs

Flexible time off for holy days Scheduling critical meetings around holy days

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Workforce Diversity

Challenges of DiversityCan result in poor communication and conflict

Focus on diversity may emphasize differences rather than similarities

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Workforce Diversity

When managers commit to diversity, it legitimizes diversity effort of others

Managers have more influence than rank-and-file employees

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Workforce Diversity

Diversity Makes Good Business Sense

•A variety of points of view and approaches to problems and opportunities can improve managerial decision making.

•Diverse employees can provide a wider range of creative ideas.

•Diverse employees are more attuned to the needs of diverse customers.

•Diversity can increase the retention of valued organizational members.

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Steps to Managing Diversity Create corporate culture that values diversity

• Culture change starts with top management • Increase Diversity Awareness through training• Encourage flexibility

• Empower employees to challenge discriminatory behavior, actions, and remarks

Pay Attention to Structures and Policies• Recruitment of new employees• Evaluation and career advancement of current

employees• Accommodating Special Needs • Reward managers for promoting diversity

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Forms of Sexual Harassment Quid pro quo

Asking or forcing an employee to perform sexual favors in exchange for some reward or to avoid negative consequences

Hostile Work EnvironmentTelling lewd jokes, displaying pornography, making sexually oriented remarks about someone’s personal appearance, and other sex-related actions that make the work environment unpleasant.