Diversity

Social class may be less visible than other types of difference. However, in many countries like the U.S., where individualism is valued, it is common to believe that all people are created equal and that the same opportunities are available to everyone who has the innate talent and is willing to put in the effort. This position ignores the challenge of overcoming the social, educational, and networking resources of class origins. This exercise is designed to help you to understand how social class could affect a person’s life experience due to differences in access and resources. Although social class in childhood does not necessarily determine status across one’s life span, it may limit educational and career options that may make it more difficult for a person to achieve personal goals. Of course, individuals within a social class can have very different experiences due to a variety of factors. Directions Complete the following two columns by thinking about what is apt to be the more common experience of a child growing up in Justin’s or Clark’s situation. Considering that Justin represents a child born into the lower socioeconomic class and Clark represents one born into the upper middle class, your answers should reflect what is likely to be the more common experiences for children born into these situations. Justin was born to a 16-year-old single mother who lived with her family in an inner-city housing project. When he was born, she dropped out of high school to care for him. After he started school, she took a job cleaning rooms in a local hospital. She is currently studying nights to get her General Equivalency Diploma (GED). clark was born to a suburban couple in their mid-thirties. His mother has an MBA, and his father is a lawyer. Clark’s mother quit her job when (Harvey, 20140528)

Harvey, C., Allard, M. J. (20140528). Understanding and Managing Diversity, 6th Edition. [[VitalSource Bookshelf version]]. Retrieved from vbk://9780133548327

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Section 4 • Understanding the Secondary Dimensions of Diversity Justin How might this child spend his time before he attends kindergarten? When he goes to kindergarten, he is diagnosed with a learning disability. What types of help is he most likely to receive? During grammar school, how is he likely to spend his school vacations? What types of after-school activities is he likely to participate in? What role may sports play in his life? He needs help with math in high school. What types of resources are most apt to be available to him? Where can he learn about technology? If his College Board scores aren’t too high, what resources may be available to help him raise his scores? If he needs an internship in college, who can help him secure one? Given the differences of growing up in different social classes, what job-related life and career skills may he have that give him workplace advantages or disadvantages? Clark Discussion Questions 1. In terms of the workplace, how does social class matter? 2. Is social class really an invisible difference or are there ways that people often deduce other’s social (Harvey, 20140528)

Harvey, C., Allard, M. J. (20140528). Understanding and Managing Diversity, 6th Edition. [[VitalSource Bookshelf version]]. Retrieved from vbk://9780133548327

Religious Diversity checklist

Section 4 • Understanding the Secondary Dimensions of Diversity Policies Does your diversity policy include religious diversity and is there a method to communicate this policy to employees? What do you know about the religions of your employees?

holidays/time off Is there a clearly articulated policy regarding religious holiday leave (paid or unpaid) and is this policy clearly explained to employees? Is there a way for employees and managers to address scheduling conflicts resulting from religion and to find co-workers who can cover shifts? Do you take into account employees’ religious holidays when planning meetings, workshops, trips, dinners, and special events? Dress Does your company have a dress code that is communicated to all employees? If an employee’s religious practice conflicts with the code, do you have policies in place regarding attire?

Food Does your company provide food for employees that accommodates their religious needs (kosher, halal, vegetarian)?

employee networks Does your company allow the formation of on-site religion-based, employee networks and does your company clearly communicate the policies for these groups and their relationship to the company as a whole?

office space Does your company have a policy regarding personal workspace that includes religious decoration and is this policy clearly explained to employees? Does your company allow holiday decoration of office space and do these accommodate the needs of religiously and culturally diverse employees?

religious Practice Does your company allow religious practice in the workplace (prayer, meditation) and how do you communicate the policies regarding religious practice to the employees and how do employees communicate their religious practice needs to management? Source: Excerpted from www.tanenbaum.org/resources/workplace-tools/religious-diversity-checklist exhibit 4-3 religious Diversity Checklist religious Diversity checklist

(Harvey, 20140528)

Harvey, C., Allard, M. J. (20140528). Understanding and Managing Diversity, 6th Edition. [[VitalSource Bookshelf version]]. Retrieved from vbk://9780133548327