What is [managing] diversity?

‘Diversity’  is a wide term which encompasses various visible & non visible factors like race, culture, ethnicity, gender, social attitude, disability, workstyle, experience, age, education, values, physical ability, mental capacity, personality, experiences,  skin color, religious affiliation, economic class, military experience, sexual orientation, nationality, skills, abilities, knowledge, product line, functional specialism etc etc

To manage diversity is to understand that differences will always exist & make an organization’s culture heterogeneous. These differences if managed properly are an asset to effectiveness at work.

Acknowledging, understanding & appreciating the differences, the diversity, by being flexible enough to meet needs & preferences is what managing diversity strives to achieve thereby creating a motivating & rewarding environment and utilising full potential of individuals by maximum participation.

The concept of managing diversity does not mean white males are managing women & minorities rather it is more about ‘all managers managing all employees’. Without any group being advantaged by irrelevant classification or accident of birth it is the proper leveraging to add value to problem solving, creativity and innovation.

Organizations can focus on creating an inclusive environment wherein everyones needs & values are taken into account. Harnessing these differences uilises maximum participation of all strengthening the organization as a whole and creating a ‘we’ environment