The overall objective of this essay is to explain the importance of human diversity in companies and organisations. It contains reasons why this topic can no longer be ignored for successful corporate management of enterprises in today's world. Furthermore, as a kind of sub-target cultural differences will be considered and the six dimensions model of national culture from organisational anthropologist Geert Hofstede will be presented.
The importance of the human diversity in companies and organizations in Europe has been growing up continuously since the 1990s. The very fast technological progress and the lowering of international political barriers are fuelling the advance of globalisation and making cross-border communications and trading worldwide easier. Therefore, it is not a surprise that cross-cultural expertise and language skills are ever more frequently requested in companies and the advantages of human diversity are focused to the economic research since the 1990s.
Today the issue of the human diversity does not longer examine the benefits of using people with cross-cultural or linguistic skills only. Meanwhile these parameters have been supplemented and includes those of demographic characteristics, personal know-how, values, beliefs, character, social status and natives generally. In addition, nowadays the economics research does not investigate the obvious advantages in companies and organizations only and is also avoidable disadvantages through the use of heterogeneous groups and team designs.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Occasion of essay
- Purpose of essay
- Structure of essay
- Theoretical principles about diversity
- Definition of the term Diversity Management
- Classification of diversity sizes
- Six dimensions model of national culture by Geert Hofstede
- Power distance
- Individualism versus collectivism
- Masculinity versus femininity
- Uncertainty avoidance
- Long-term versus short-term orientation
- Indulgence versus Restraint
- Diversity management in practice
- Benefits by diversity
- Implementation of diversity Management
- Critical review
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
The main objective of this essay is to explain the importance of human diversity in companies and organizations, highlighting why this topic is crucial for successful corporate management in the modern world. The essay explores the advantages and disadvantages of diverse teams and considers cultural differences using Hofstede's six dimensions model of national culture.
- The growing importance of human diversity in companies and organizations.
- The definition and classification of diversity management.
- Hofstede's six dimensions model of national culture and its relevance to diversity management.
- The benefits and challenges of implementing diversity management in practice.
- A critical review of diversity management strategies.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context of human diversity's increasing importance in businesses and organizations since the 1990s. It attributes this rise to rapid technological advancements and the reduction of international political barriers, leading to globalization and increased demand for cross-cultural expertise. The chapter then sets the stage by outlining the essay's purpose and structure, specifically mentioning the focus on cultural differences and the application of Geert Hofstede's six dimensions model of national culture.
Theoretical principles about diversity: This section delves into the theoretical underpinnings of diversity management. It begins by defining the term "Diversity Management" itself, moving on to a classification of different types and aspects of diversity considered within organizations. This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the different facets of diversity addressed later in the analysis. It likely includes a framework for understanding various aspects of organizational diversity, such as cultural background, skills, and values.
Six dimensions model of national culture by Geert Hofstede: This chapter focuses on Geert Hofstede's influential six-dimensional model of national culture. It provides a detailed explanation of each dimension: power distance, individualism versus collectivism, masculinity versus femininity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term versus short-term orientation, and indulgence versus restraint. The chapter likely explains how these cultural dimensions influence workplace dynamics and the implementation of diversity management strategies. The significance lies in its contribution to understanding the challenges of managing a diverse workforce across different cultural contexts.
Diversity management in practice: This chapter shifts from theory to practical application, exploring the real-world benefits of diversity management within companies and organizations. It likely details various strategies for successful implementation, including potential obstacles. This chapter makes the connection between the theoretical frameworks presented earlier and the tangible advantages and challenges involved in creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. The section likely discusses the concrete steps involved in implementing diversity initiatives and the practical impact on organizational performance and culture.
Keywords
Diversity management, human diversity, cross-cultural expertise, Hofstede's cultural dimensions, organizational culture, globalization, inclusive workplace, heterogeneous teams, benefits of diversity, implementation strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this essay?
The essay focuses on the importance of human diversity in companies and organizations, exploring its relevance to successful corporate management in the modern globalized world. It specifically examines the advantages and challenges of diverse teams and utilizes Hofstede's six dimensions model of national culture to analyze cultural differences in the workplace.
What are the key objectives of this essay?
The main objective is to explain the significance of human diversity in organizations. It aims to define and classify diversity management, apply Hofstede's model to understand cultural influences on diversity management, analyze the benefits and challenges of implementing diversity initiatives, and critically review existing diversity management strategies.
What is the structure of the essay?
The essay is structured into several key sections: an introduction outlining the essay's purpose and scope; a theoretical exploration of diversity management principles; an in-depth examination of Hofstede's six dimensions of national culture; a practical look at implementing diversity management strategies; and a concluding chapter offering a critical review.
What is Hofstede's six dimensions model, and how is it relevant to this essay?
Geert Hofstede's six dimensions model of national culture is a crucial framework used in the essay. It helps analyze how cultural differences (power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term vs. short-term orientation, and indulgence vs. restraint) impact workplace dynamics and the effectiveness of diversity management strategies. The essay uses this model to understand the challenges and opportunities presented by diverse teams.
What are the benefits and challenges of diversity management discussed in the essay?
The essay explores both the advantages (e.g., increased creativity, improved problem-solving, enhanced organizational performance) and the challenges (e.g., potential communication barriers, conflict management, the need for effective implementation strategies) of implementing diversity management. It likely provides practical examples and strategies for overcoming these challenges.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the growing importance of human diversity in a globalized world; the definition and classification of diversity management; the application of Hofstede's cultural dimensions to understand workplace dynamics; the practical benefits and challenges of implementing diversity management; and a critical assessment of existing diversity management strategies.
What keywords are associated with this essay?
Keywords include diversity management, human diversity, cross-cultural expertise, Hofstede's cultural dimensions, organizational culture, globalization, inclusive workplace, heterogeneous teams, benefits of diversity, and implementation strategies.
What is covered in the chapter on "Theoretical Principles about Diversity"?
This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding diversity management by defining the term and classifying different types and aspects of diversity within organizations. It likely provides a framework for understanding various aspects of organizational diversity, such as cultural background, skills, and values.
What is discussed in the chapter on "Diversity Management in Practice"?
This chapter bridges theory and practice, exploring the real-world benefits of diversity management and detailing various strategies for successful implementation. It connects the theoretical frameworks presented earlier to the practical advantages and challenges of fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Quote paper
- Fabian Franke (Author), 2020, Reasons why Diversity Management is important, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/538172
