Question

organizations face many barriers and obstacles to effectively increasing and embracing diversity in their workplaces. some of these barriers stem from people in the organization who are resistant to changing the organization to make it more diverse. this activity is important because resistance to this type of change is an attitude that managers will come up against frequently, and managers need to be able to recognize when this occurs so that they can manage the organization and its employees through this necessary and very important type of change. the goal of this activity is to challenge your knowledge of the barriers to diversity. the following represent hypothetical statements made by people in organizations. for each statement, select the specific barrier to diversity that the example best depicts.

Answer 1

Organizations face barriers when promoting diversity due to internal resistance and societal norms that perpetuate discrimination. Efforts like diversity training aim to foster teamwork and reduce prejudice. Anti-discrimination policies and the increasing diversity of the workforce may gradually break down discriminatory barriers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Organizations striving to increase diversity encounter various barriers, such as resistance from individuals within the organization who may be resistant to changes promoting a more diverse workplace. Diversity training is one tool used to educate employees on cultural differences, aiming to improve teamwork and reduce prejudice.

Several reasons motivate companies to embrace diversity, including the recognition that discrimination is against a firm's interest, as it could deprive them of talented applicants, and understanding that a diverse workforce introduces new perspectives and a positive work environment. Additionally, firms face negative consequences for not adopting anti-discriminatory practices due to societal pressures and the increasing power of minority groups.

However, discrimination persists in competitive markets, as theorized by economists like Gary Becker. Discriminatory attitudes among managers, workers, or customers can hinder non-discriminatory policies, especially if such attitudes are widespread in society, potentially affecting a firm's profits. Market forces alone may not be enough to eliminate discrimination if it is deeply rooted in social attitudes.

Looking to the future, there is a discussion about whether the increasing proportions of minority workers will break down discriminatory barriers, leading to a more inclusive workforce. Anti-discrimination policy plays a significant role in shaping a society that leverages the potential of its diverse population for economic growth.