Diversity

This paper serves to discuss the demographic characteristics, and its impact on individual behavior.

Diversity Paper

The greater Phoenix area accounts for more than 60% of Arizona’s population. Futhermore, the greater Phoenix population has increased by 59% since 1990. Research conducted by the U.S. Censes Bureau estimates that Arizona’s projected population percentage increase is 2.7% for 2005 and 2006, and for 2007, they are estimating an average of 2.6%. More and more people are on the move. Whether it be financial reasons, agricultural reasons, or just a fresh start, people from many cultures are moving to countries promising to fulfill their dreams. Every culture has a unique common heritage. Culture can be defined as a system of values, traits, morals, and customs shared by a society. Culture teaches people how to behave, and it conditions their reactions (Guffey, 2000, pg.72).

Due to this increasing growth, diversity has become more widespread. Diversity is a term used to refer to many demographic characteristics such as race, gender, color, national origin, sex, religion, and the like. Diversity is the individual differences that cultivates a distinctiveness among our society. These differences share many common values, attitudes, and perceptions. Additionally, each group contains much diversity; and, each are joined by individuals who posses a uniqueness in his or her own personality, education, and life experiences. According to Schermerhorn, “valuing diversity helps to build an internal climate of inclusiveness, one that respects diverstiy and provides oppportunities for all memebers, not just a privileged few” (2005, pg. 10). Sadly, diversity has continuously been challaged with regard to its values, and the respect of such differences. However, expressing sensitivity and appreciativeness of such differences among groups builds socity awareness. From an organizational standpoint, it is a means to increase productivity and efficiency. What does it mean when individual differences are distributed unequally (Schermerhorn, 2005)? Individuals are faced with the notion of being misunderstood. As a result, a lack of sensitivity can develop. However, being aware of your own culture and how it contrasts with others is an important first step in achieving multicultural sensitivity (Gurrey, 2000, pg.77). On another note, individuals are left to deal with interpersonal feelings, harassment, and discriminiation. Under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Title VII of the Civial Rights Act of 1964, enforces and addresses many types of discrimination dealing with demographic variables within the workplace. Workplace diversity is a common place to facet such demographic differences. For example, people have a greater tendency

to observe diversity when members differ based on visible characteristics than if there were no visible differences. What is more, diversity can be hidden when members have differing values, attitudes, and perspectives cannot be seen.

By individual studies, and the understanding of how such differences impact in diversity, as well as, how it can influence an organization and its society, let us look at multiculturalism diversity. According to Schermerhorn, “multicultural organization is one that values cultural diversity and seeks to utilize and encourge it” (2005, pg. 346). Like an organization, a multicultural society aims to create diversity by uniting demographic characteristics plus minority group members.

What are some potential barriers one might encounter? First, ethnocentrism can potentially be a barrier as its belief is the superiority of one’s one race and/or culture. Second, I believe stereotyping narrows one’s thinking as it makes assumptions about (a) individual on the basis of preconcieved notions. Third, intolerance can play a part in that its lack of patience might form irritations and or lead to strife. Fourth, frame of reference is another barrier. As we see and feel everything, we translate it into our own frame of reference or perception. As a result, we bring our own biases and expectations. Finally, bypassing is a big barrier as it involves communication. Bypassing is referred to as missing the meaning or intent whether it be formal or informal. Being closed-minded stifles the growth of awareness that allows us to become more culturally diverse.

Where might these barriers surface? Barriers surface are demonstrated through our demographic characteristics such as gender, age, socioeconomic status, and personality. What is the impact of these characteristics on individual behavior?

1. Impact on individual behavior

According to Schermerhorn, “men and women show no consistent differences in their problem-solving abilities,