Human Resource Management

Chapter 2

WORKPLACE DIVERSITY, EQUAL

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY,
AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

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 Diversity
Diversity - Any perceived difference among
people: age, race, religion, functional specialty,
profession, geographic origin, lifestyle, tenure
with organization, or position, and any other
perceived difference.
Diversity is more than equal employment and
affirmative action
Aims to create workforces that mirror
populations and customers that organizations
serve
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 Unique issues
Care should also be taken when terminating a
national's employment, in UAE, where recent
legislation obliges employers to follow a
prescribed termination process when dismissing
an employee who is a national.
Obviously such Emiritization issues can have an
impact upon equal opportunities policies, but
that impact will be primarily focused in a
recruitment sense.

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 Should Employers Bother with
Diversity Policies?
Yes. The importance of diversity policies, which
emphasize the principles of equality, in an
existing workforce cannot be underestimated.
Certain issues unique to operating in the UAE,
these should not serve as a barrier to promoting
and respecting diversity in the workplace.
UAE's Constitution states that equality, social
justice, ensuring safety, security and equality of
opportunity for all citizens are the pillars of
society.

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 This requires!!!
An organization's success and competitiveness will
largely be influenced by its ability to embrace diversity
and realize the benefits. Introducing a considered and
enforced workplace diversity policy, and training
employees on its requirements, will send a positive
message to internal and external parties. Encouraging
an environment of respecting and understanding
different cultures and traditions could lead to:
1) Increased adaptability and cooperation, as employees
from diverse backgrounds bring individual talents,
experiences and values and work together to adapt to
market demands;

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2) A variety of viewpoints, as employees feel
comfortable working together and
communicating their varying points of view,
providing a larger pool of ideas and inspiration to
draw from;
3) A more settled, cohesive, workforce, which is
likely to aid efficiency and productivity and
reduce workplace disputes which eat up
management time; and
4)Improved relations with customers, clients and
suppliers, who are also likely to come from a
range of backgrounds.
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 Diversity Management
Ensuring factors are in place to provide for
and encourage continued development of
diverse workforce by melding actual and
perceived differences among workers to
achieve maximum productivity
Pursuing an inclusive culture where new
employees feel welcome, and everyone
sees value of his or her job
Creating a supportive culture where all
employees can be effective

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