Understanding Diversity

Diversity is a social element that is present in all societies. The aspect of being diverse is determined by many different factors which could be social, political, racial, ethnic, genetic or cultural. Diversity calls for acceptance and regard for all persons and groups of different attributes. Understanding diversity is vital as it facilitates communication, peaceful interactions, relationships and diplomatic co-existence among diverse groups (Parvis, 2007). In societies whereby respect for diversity is not upheld people of different diversities conflict which in turn yields animosity and disintegration. The society is characterized by a set of structures that are co-dependent. The functionality of these structures is highly dependent on societal interactions and good interrelations. Thus, disintegration resulting from intolerance to diversity negatively affects the balance between societal structures such as the economy and governance.

Understanding diversity enables individuals and groups to learn and embrace the strengths and weaknesses of one another. Moreover, it aids in understanding why people behave and react to situations differently. Life experiences and a person’s background are some of the core factors that create the different forms of diversities (Parvis, 2007). This is the case because most forms of diversities are not acquired biologically but through interactions with the environment and people. Interaction between diverse groups has more advantages than disadvantages. People share knowledge and learn from one another thus further enriching their lives and their understanding of the world. Moreover, formulation of strategies effective in resolution formulation is facilitated by these interactions among diverse groups.

The advantages of interaction and sharing of knowledge not only positively affects the society at large but also has a positive impact on the business environment. In most companies and business entities employees are from diverse backgrounds. The differences vary and they can be based on gender, language, nationality, sex orientation, ethnicity, religion and culture (Parvis, 2007). Irrespective of these diversities a company must ensure that work relations and operations are handled effectively without letting individual diversities get in the way of growth, success and productivity. However, the employers must also ensure that every individual’s rights are respected without infringing on their diplomacy and freedom. For instance, employees’ religious beliefs and affiliations such as celebrations on special days ought to be put into consideration. An example of a contemporary phenomenon is peoples’ sexual affiliation. In particular, gayism and lesbianism have become exceptionally common in current times even leading to legalization of homosexuality in some states (Parvis, 2007). Thus, employers and employees ought to respect and learn to accommodate peoples’ sexual orientations and ways of life and sexual.

The dynamics of diversity have significantly changed over time. The interaction between diverse groups has changed from regional to international. Trade, tourism, immigration and relocation between foreign countries have increased diversity across the global society (Parvis, 2007). Modernization, industrialization and improved transport and communication channels are major drivers and influencers of this change. Use of internet and computer software has increased over the years. Moreover, technology inventions and advancement has promoted instant global interactions between individuals in different countries and continents. Delivery of information has also become easy and instant. This, in turn, facilitates sharing of diverse ways of life leading to adoption of new traits, as well as, erosion of others (Parvis, 2007). Moreover, ease of movement from one country or continent to another has also influenced the dynamic changes in diversity. Distinct groups more often than not change overtime because of the adoption and erosion of some attributes. These changes can yield either positive or negative results. However irrespective of the results diversity is certainly enriched.

References

Parvis, L. (2007). Understanding cultural diversity in today’s complex world. Morrisville, NC: Lulu Press.