Melting Pot or Multiculturalism: Diversity in the Workplace

by Jill Inman, MA

Diversity...multiculturalism...sensitivity to differences. These are words and phrases that are increasingly becoming standard vocabulary in businesses across the country.

What do we mean when we speak of diversity? Typically, diverse groups have included women, non-white groups and individuals new to this country. We can also add the following difference indicators that historically have been associated with oppression: religion, age, sexual orientation and socio-economic background.

When we stereotype and make assumptions about others based on their appearance (gender, physical size, age, physical ability), language or accent (ethnicity), educational background and, even our own presumptions (e.g., Everyone I know is heterosexual.), we're not considering the potential value of human diversity.

Why should we care? Consider the following.

  • Human diversity provides new perspectives in problem solving and other work situations and positively contributes to companies competing in diverse markets.

  • An increase in the number of women and minorities in the workplace is expected: By the year 2000, 85 percent of new workforce entrants will be women, minorities and immigrants (source: U.S. Department of Labor);

  • Litigation continues to demonstrate that discrimination and harassment are unacceptable in employment situations. Many people are reluctant to embrace multiculturalism. Concerns I've heard include:
    • The company will lose unity.
    • We can't attend to everyone's diverse backgrounds.
    • What if I inadvertently hurt someone's feelings?

Our society dictates that we need to sacrifice our cultural backgrounds to fit in with the majority culture. Multiculturalism encourages us to embrace each other's differences and replace majority culture norms with more flexible expectations.

The phrases melting pot and multiculturalism offer valuable insights to us. A melting pot demonstrates some of the similarities we share across ethnic groups, while multiculturalism encourages us to be sensitive to the differences of others. Just like partners in a healthy relationship, it's important for us to appreciate how we are similar and different from each other--and how we feel about those similarities and differences. We can create common, shared goals across diverse opinions and beliefs. And, as in any relationship, if we don't talk about uncomfortable issues, emotions and misunderstandings can build to unmanageable levels.

Knowing the history, taking stock and action can help all of us be more appreciative of human diversity in the workplace. I invite you to consider the following in personal and business contexts:

HISTORY
 In Your Business

  • What's the history of your company?
  • Have there ever been situations of discrimination or sexual harassment?
  • Are employees fairly hired and evaluated?

In Your Personal Life
  • What's your personal history with people like you...people who are different from you?
  • What attitudes have you learned in family, school and your community regarding people of different races, ethnicities, gender, religion?

TAKING STOCK
 In Your Business
  • What is your company's current climate regarding diversity?
  • What are its policies, employees' stated and unstated needs?
  • How familiar are employees with state and federal laws regarding this issue?
In Your Personal Life
  • What lessons from past experiences impact you today in your personal interactions?
  • Identify what your current beliefs are and how you feel about them. Do those help you or hinder you in interactions?

ACTION
 In Your Business

  • Work with others to create an action plan. This may include addressing inadequacies and placing value on the richness diversity brings to your work setting.
  • Start small, and ask for help from your EAP and/or consultants plus reviewing literature on the subject.
In Your Personal Life
  • Identify areas you want to change; stop judging yourself--and others.
  • Have a conversation with someone you normally wouldn't.
  • Take risks.


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