Write an essay about the differences in Culture and Diversity at the workplace. with all characteristics of strong culture in the organization. Please refer to textbook chapter-15. Use APA style, examples, peer-reviewed journals to support your answer. This essay must be at least 1000-word in length.

QUESTION

Management Essay:-                                                                          (10 Marks)

Write an essay about the differences in Culture and Diversity at the workplace. with all characteristics of strong culture in the organization. Please refer to textbook chapter-15. Use APA style, examples, peer-reviewed journals to support your answer. This essay must be at least 1000-word in length.

Instructions:-

• These assignments are an individual assignment.
• All students are encouraged to use their own words.

• Be three to five pages in length (800-1000 words), which does not include the title page, abstract or required reference page, which are never a part of the content minimum requirements.
• Use proper referencing (APA style) to reference, other style will not be accepted.
• Support your submission with course material concepts, principles, and theories from the textbook and at least two scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles unless the assignment calls for more.
• It is strongly encouraged that you submit all assignments into the safe assignment Originality Check prior to submitting it to your instructor for grading.
• Write a three-part essay (i.e., an essay that includes an introduction paragraph, the essay’s body, and a conclusion paragraph) that address the questions using a question and answer format.

ANSWER

Culture and Diversity in the Workplace

Introduction

In today’s globalized business environment, organizations are becoming increasingly diverse, with employees from various cultural backgrounds working together. This diversity brings both challenges and opportunities for organizations. This essay explores the differences in culture and diversity in the workplace, focusing on the characteristics of a strong organizational culture. The information presented here is based on the textbook chapter 15, supplemented with examples and evidence from peer-reviewed journals.

Differences in Culture and Diversity 

Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, norms, and practices that characterize a particular group. In a workplace context, culture plays a vital role in shaping employee behavior, decision-making processes, and overall organizational success (Yohn, 2021). Diversity, on the other hand, refers to the representation of different social and cultural identities within a workforce.

One key difference between culture and diversity is that culture represents the collective identity and shared experiences of a group, while diversity highlights the unique individual perspectives and backgrounds that contribute to a heterogeneous workforce (Gopalkrishnan, 2018). While culture is often deeply ingrained and may be influenced by societal factors, diversity is a more dynamic and evolving concept.

Characteristics of a Strong Organizational Culture 

A strong organizational culture is characterized by several key features. According to the textbook, these include a clear mission and values, effective communication, employee involvement, and a positive work environment. Let us explore these characteristics in detail.

Clear Mission and Values: A strong culture is built upon a clear mission statement and core values that guide organizational behavior. For example, a company that values integrity, collaboration, and innovation will foster a culture that promotes these principles and encourages employees to embody them.

Effective Communication: Open and transparent communication channels are essential for fostering a strong culture. When employees feel heard and valued, they are more likely to actively contribute to the organization’s goals. Effective communication also helps bridge cultural differences and promotes understanding among diverse team members.

Employee Involvement: In a strong culture, employees are empowered and encouraged to participate in decision-making processes. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and commitment among employees, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity (The Advantages of Employee Involvement in Decision Making, 2019). It is crucial to recognize and embrace diverse perspectives to harness the full potential of a diverse workforce.

Positive Work Environment: A strong culture promotes a positive work environment that values employee well-being, fairness, and respect. Creating a psychologically safe space where diverse voices are heard and celebrated enhances employee engagement and reduces turnover. Organizations can achieve this by implementing inclusive policies, offering diversity training, and fostering a culture of acceptance and support.

Examples and Supporting Evidence 

To illustrate the importance of culture and diversity in the workplace, let us consider two real-life examples.

Example 1: Google Inc. Google is renowned for its strong organizational culture, characterized by values such as innovation, collaboration, and employee empowerment. The company encourages a diverse workforce and actively supports initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion. Google’s diverse culture has contributed to its success by fostering creativity, driving innovation, and attracting top talent from different backgrounds.

Example 2: Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota is known for its strong organizational culture based on the concept of “The Toyota Way.” This culture emphasizes continuous improvement, teamwork, and respect for people. By valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging employee participation, Toyota has created a culture that promotes problem-solving, employee development, and quality excellence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, culture and diversity significantly shape the workplace environment and organizational success. Understanding the differences between culture and diversity is crucial for creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. A strong organizational culture characterized by a clear mission and values, effective communication, employee involvement, and a positive work environment fosters employee engagement, productivity, and innovation. Embracing diversity and leveraging the unique perspectives of individuals from various backgrounds contributes to a vibrant and dynamic organizational culture. By promoting culture and diversity, organizations can unlock the full potential of their workforce and gain a competitive edge in today’s global marketplace.

References

Gopalkrishnan, N. (2018). Cultural Diversity and Mental Health: Considerations for Policy and Practice. Frontiers in Public Health, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2018.00179 

The Advantages of Employee Involvement in Decision Making. (2019, March 4). Small Business – Chron.com. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-employee-involvement-decision-making-18264.html 

Yohn, D. L. (2021, February 9). Company Culture Is Everyone’s Responsibility. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/02/company-culture-is-everyones-responsibility