Introduction
Workplace diversity is a concept that many organizations have taken up in their staff structure as a way of curbing biases. It highly depends on perception, as this is what mostly affects social interactions within an organizational setting. For effectiveness, it is important for human resource managers to deploy efficient mitigations that would address the issue of diversification while imposing communication, change, and adaptability. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the challenges and benefits of workplace diversity while adopting ideologies from a biblical context.
Benefits of Workplace Diversity
The successes and healthy competitive nature of a company are determined by its ability to embrace diversity; whether cultural, societal, or economic, into the workplace setting. Numerous benefits come out of this, such as increased adaptability, efficient and intensified service delivery, effective workplace contribution in decision making, and effective execution. With increased adaptability, employees can provide several solutions to the challenges that they face in terms of service delivery, outsourcing, and resource allocation (Kirton & Greene, 2015). Workplaces with employees from diversified backgrounds have innovative talent that is crucial in penetrating the dynamic market space and meet consumer demands. There is also a diverse collection of skillsets, such as cultural understanding and language that may be beneficial in penetrating the global space in terms of consumer relations. Diversified workspaces also provide an avenue for different views that create a pool of ideas based on different experiences. This can help an organization derive ideas from that pool to strategically meet the needs of its clients effectively (Kirton & Greene, 2015). Lastly, workplace diversity improves work efficiency, as all employees are encouraged to engage in healthy competitions. Such motivation reflects on productivity, return on investment, and profit margins.
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Challenges of Diversity in the Workplace
Despite the benefits, there are equally some challenges that companies face while adapting diversity. These challenges are not limited to, communication, resistance, management, and implementation of policies. Communication becomes a barrier that could lead to a lack of teamwork and low motivation. Employees also tend to be resistant to change, especially social and cultural change (Harvey & Allard, 2015). It creates a negative environment for innovation and effective execution. Companies may also find it difficult to implement workplace policies that advocate diversity. This includes finding a strategy aimed at mitigating the effects of workplace diversity on an organizational basis. Diversity training may not be sufficient in executing an all-inclusive diversity management plan.
Integration of Biblical Perspective
As human beings, it can be acknowledged that human beings are made in the image and likeness of God. As such, it is important to treat everyone equally, regardless of their skin tone, ethnic background, or age. In Ephesians chapter 6, God constantly reminds humanity that they should serve wholeheartedly as if they were serving God Himself (Bobo, 2017). The way people relate with each other should create an atmosphere that reflects selflessness, just like the acts of Jesus and his disciples. Companies and their employees should exercise discernment, learning the act of observing before reacting. Apostle Paul, in the book of Romans, also sets a reminder to all, on the need of living in peace with each other (Anderson-Connolly, 2019). Ideally, the book of Romans chapter 12 from verse 9 to 21 is an echo of the importance of workplace diversity and how to deal with the conflict that arises from it in a Godly manner.
Conclusion
Workplace diversity is crucial for the growth of any company. For effective implementation, it would be important for companies to conduct an assessment of diversity, more like a dry run, so that they are able to test the success of effectively implementing diversity in the workplace. However, this can only be in place if a proper workplace plan on diversity is put on place. The best mitigation plan would be to fight off resistance with inclusion, foster an attitude that encourages transparency such that equality is visible. It would also be effective to utilize training on diversity such that all employees have knowledge on its importance and the ethical conduct around it. The future of workplace diversity has a positive impact on economic and social dynamics, making it an effective approach to workplace efficiency.
References
Anderson-Connolly, R. (2019). A Leftist Critique of the Principles of Identity, Diversity, and Multiculturalism . Lexington Books.
Bobo, L. (2017). Living Salty and Light-filled Lives in the Workplace . Wipf and Stock Publishers.
Harvey, C. P., & Allard, M. (2015). Understanding and managing diversity: Readings, cases, and exercises . Pearson.
Kirton, G., & Greene, A. M. (2015). The dynamics of managing diversity: A critical approach . Routledge.
