Racial diversity makes a difference in the workplace

NJ.com
Posted by Joseph Wardy/ NJ Voices Blogger
May 18, 2009 2:51PM

Sociologist Cedric Henning, of the University of Illinois at Chicago, conducted a study about diversity. Beyond the question that diversity is positive, Mr. Henning wanted to discover evidence that diversity makes a difference.
Conclusion: Diversity not only makes a difference but the study showed diversity's positive impact on company success.
Let's begin by reviewing how Mr. Henning conducted his research. He began by obtaining data about diversity levels and business performance from about 250 companies. Verification of information was secured from Dun & Bradstreet and the federal government. The 250 companies researched ranged from 10 employees to multinational corporations with thousands of employees.
Fact: Henning found the same relationship between diversity and business success regardless of company size. Here are two of Mr. Henning's findings:
--Diversity supporters have long claimed that workers from different backgrounds help companies become more responsive to customers. Mr. Henning's research supports this position. Mr. Henning suggests "that racial diversity is a marker for diverse ideas, attitudes and experiences, and that having a range of perspectives can alert a company to threats and possibilities. In addition to the benefit organizationally, human relationships prosper. When diverse ideas are shared and not dismissed, the environment changes from self righteousness to the collaboration of the whole. The study also suggests that diversity connects very closely to one of Stephan Covey's Seven Habits...Listening. Mr. Covey states, " that to be understood we must first understand". If you doubt the wisdom of Mr. Covey's advice, reverse the scenario. If an employee seeks to first be understood, he is operating under the umbrella of a self initiated agenda. He tends to argue and his position with coworkers who disagree. Possible result: an adversary becomes an enemy.
--When people of color join groups that were formally all white, the entire group starts to think in new ways. The influx of minorities brings new perspectives to the table, stimulates dialogue catapulting new thinking patterns. This finding by Henning lends credence to the quote...." We find comfort from those we agree with and but growth from those who are different". In terms of professional development, openness to new and different ideas expands our comfort zone. Another great benefit is that diversity minimizes "group think" which tends to favor the status quo. Refusal to change in a competitive market is not competitive.

Full Story: http://blog.nj.com/njv_joseph_wardy/2009/05/racial_diversity_makes_a_diffe.html