Diversity in the Workplace: A Legal and Statistical Analysis

Abstract

Although most major corporations in the United States claim they are attempting to create a workplace environment reflective of society's diversity (race, gender, etc.), there is a lack of available information describing the successes and failures of their efforts. This note provides a legal and statistical framework for evaluating (1) the federal government's involvement in antidiscrimination efforts, (2) a history of the prevalence and resolution of discrimination claims during the 1990s, and (3) a statistical analysis of U.S. workforce demographics and compensation levels.

Excerpt

UVA- OB-0699

DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE:

A LEGAL AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Background

The terms “diversity” and “affirmative action” are not synonymous. The goal of workforce diversity is to create a multifarious workforce based on an understanding of employees' differences and similarities. Affirmative action is a deliberate undertaking of measures to ensure that an organization provides equal opportunities for all. Affirmative action is just one of the many tools that an organization can employ to create a diverse workforce.

When diversity programs like affirmative action are implemented in organizations, they must achieve several goals. First, employees should have confidence that they have access to opportunities within the organization regardless of their race, gender, religion, or national origin. Once access is provided to all, diversity initiatives must work to reduce bias and prejudice, thus allowing different people to work together constructively in the same environment. Second, diversity programs must work to reduce the perceived group differences that polarize people. Finally, organizations should strive to achieve a level of cultural competence that allows them to leverage diverse perspectives to maximize creativity and innovation. A diverse team or organization, when effective, will often yield greater results than a homogenous team.

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Keywords: business ethics, communications, cross-cultural, community relations, corporate social responsibility, diversity, management of, ethical issues, human resources, management of, interpersonal behavior, legal aspects, legal issues, minorities in business