Is your organization one that embraces
people from all backgrounds and realizes that you have much to gain by doing so?
“A diverse workplace or institution is
one where diversity is not only recognized but embraced — regardless of ethnicity, creed, color, age, disability, sexual
preference, etc. — with respect and dignity, through a lens that is open to everyone,” says Dorothy Davis, director of
transfer recruitment and co-chair of the
diversity committee at Fontbonne University. Davis explains that “strive” is a
key word when working toward diversity.
“Diversity will never be a completed
process,” she says. “There is no period at
the end of the sentence. You’re always
building. It’s a spiral process that keeps
turning and turning.”
Davis emphasizes that diversity is truly
all about inclusion — not exclusion.
Organizations that are willing to look to
and learn from others will have a competitive advantage in the years to come.
Smart Business asked Davis how companies and institutions can create environments where the differences in others are appreciated.
Why is diversity in the workplace so important in today’s business world?
Diversity lends a sense of uniqueness
to a company or an institution. We can
think of diversity as being a woven quilt
— a beautiful work of art. Patches and
stitches that represent differences in one
another, such as color, ethnicity, religion, age and other important factors.
Diversity in the workplace provides a
distinct advantage in an era when we
need flexibility and creativity in order to
have a competitive advantage.
What should all CEOs keep in mind as they
strive toward diversity?
Striving for diversity is an evolution —
we must always remember that our society is diverse. Diversity in the work
place is eminent — companies and institutions should focus on making diversity
a top priority. Striving for diversity is about change, growth and understanding the world around us. Our environment is competitive — whether we’re
hiring employees or recruiting students.
What are some things top management can
do to ensure a diverse work population?
The commitment starts at the top by
developing a diversity action plan — a
company-wide initiative. It should be a
plan that is developed in collaboration
with human resources (HR), but not
separate from HR’s primary responsibilities, which often lie in hiring practices,
compliance regulations, etc. Diversity in
the work place focuses on maximizing
the ability of all employees so that they
can contribute to the organizational
goals and objectives. The bottom-line of
having diversity in the work place is the
bottom-line.
How does diversity on campus benefit students — and their future employers — as
they enter the work force?
Diversity on campus benefits students
in so many ways. It’s important that students recognize and appreciate the contributions that other groups have made
in our society.
Does diversity matter? Yes! It is the
responsibility of a university to exhibit
leadership by providing an environment
that is inclusive for all. Universities
must take the initiative to incorporate
diversity throughout their curriculums
by expanding campus-wide activities
that offer inclusion, engagement and
participation. Institutions need to create
a learning environment that fosters
intellectual and social growth among all
students. Diversity broadens the educational experiences of all students so that
they are prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of a global
society. A university should be where
students go to prepare to become leaders of tomorrow.
Looking forward, what challenges will
tomorrow’s work force bring?
I wouldn’t say challenges, but opportunities — opportunities that are exciting!
We have baby boomers changing
careers; a very vibrant population that
has a great deal of offer. There are new
immigrants that will help shape our society by offering us new cultural perspectives. We must realize that diversity is
threaded through every aspect of our
lives. We must be willing to challenge
and change the practices that present
the barriers that individuals and groups
experience.
Companies and institutions must be
willing to provide resources to train
new and current employees. Our society
is global — our neighbor next door no
longer looks exactly like us. Remember
that diversity is a beautiful work of art
— a woven quilt — with unique patches
and colorful threads, and one that’s
stitched together to make one large
masterpiece.
DOROTHY DAVIS is director of transfer recruitment and co-chair of the diversity committee at Fontbonne University. Reach her at
(314) 889-1475 or [email protected].
