Diversity and Inclusion

The process of promoting an inclusive workplace that values and supports employees of all backgrounds and identities.

What is the business case for diversity?

"The business case for diversity stems from the progression of the models of diversity within the workplace since the 1960s."

What was the original model for diversity in the United States?

"In the United States, the original model for diversity was situated around affirmative action drawing from equal opportunity employment objectives implemented in the Civil Rights Act of 1964."

What was the focus of equal employment opportunity?

"Equal employment opportunity was centered around the idea that any individual academically or physically qualified for a specific job could strive for (and possibly succeed) at obtaining the said job without being discriminated against based on identity."

What were some accusations faced by these diversity initiatives?

"These initiatives were met with accusations that tokenism was the reason an individual was hired into a company when they differed from the dominant group."

How did dissatisfaction from minority groups impact diversity initiatives?

"Dissatisfaction from minority groups eventually altered and/or raised the desire to achieve perfect employment opportunities in every job."

What model emerged after the original diversity model?

"The social justice model evolved next and extended the idea that individuals outside the dominant group should be given opportunities within the workplace."

How should diversity initiatives be presented?

"Kevin Sullivan an ex-vice president of Apple Inc. said that 'diversity initiatives must be sold as business, not social work.'"

What negative consequences may arise from a lack of diversity inclusion culture?

"In the deficit model, it is believed that organizations that do not have a strong diversity inclusion culture will invite lower productivity, higher absenteeism, and higher turnover which will result in higher costs to the company."

How do diverse establishments affect unionization attempts?

"Establishments with more diversity are less likely to have successful unionization attempts."

How has the concept of diversity evolved over time in the workplace?

"The models of diversity within the workplace have progressed since the 1960s."

What legislation influenced the original model for diversity?

"The original model for diversity was situated around affirmative action drawing from equal opportunity employment objectives implemented in the Civil Rights Act of 1964."

What was the focus of equal employment opportunity?

"Equal employment opportunity was centered around the idea that any individual academically or physically qualified for a specific job could strive for (and possibly succeed) at obtaining the said job without being discriminated against based on identity."

What were some criticisms directed towards diversity initiatives?

"These initiatives were met with accusations that tokenism was the reason an individual was hired into a company when they differed from the dominant group."

What motivated the desire for better employment opportunities among minority groups?

"Dissatisfaction from minority groups eventually altered and/or raised the desire to achieve perfect employment opportunities in every job."

How should diversity initiatives be framed for successful implementation?

"Diversity initiatives must be sold as business, not social work."

What is believed to be the impact of a lacking diversity inclusion culture?

"In the deficit model, it is believed that organizations that do not have a strong diversity inclusion culture will invite lower productivity, higher absenteeism, and higher turnover which will result in higher costs to the company."

How does diversity affect unionization attempts?

"Establishments with more diversity are less likely to have successful unionization attempts."

What are the benefits of having a diverse workforce?

"Businesses benefit by having diversity in their workforce."

How has the concept of diversity evolved since the 1960s?

"The models of diversity within the workplace have progressed since the 1960s."

What were the goals of equal employment opportunity?

"The goal of equal employment opportunity was to eliminate discrimination based on identity and provide fair opportunities for all qualified individuals."