2-2 Activity: Topic Introduction

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1-2 Activity: Lens Exploration

Jacob Wright

Southern New Hampshire University

IDS 400: Diversity

Professor Boyd

14 January 2024

Lens Exploration

Undoubtedly, the issue of diversity in the workplace has gained massive debate and attention in recent years. My personal experiences, societal discourse, and education have shaped my understanding of this issue. I have come across discussions anchored on the significance of enhancing diverse and inclusive workplaces. Consequently, this has helped me acknowledge the benefits of diversity in the workplace such as creativity, innovation, and overall firm success. My assumptions are deeply rooted in the fact that diversity encompasses different dimensions including race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background, and socioeconomic and cultural background among many others.

Incorporating the history lens to workplace diversity shows a period characterized by important events and changes in societal attitudes. As times progressed, legal achievements including notably the Civil Rights Act of 1964 did play an important role in shaping workplace dynamics. It helped prevent different forms of discrimination based on sex, national origin, color, religion, and race. It is important to note that the importance of workplace diversity has changed as there has been increased emphasis on the value that it brings to different organizations, their culture, and performance. Legal scholars, activists, and organizational theorists constitute the authors who have massively contributed to the historical context of workplace diversity.

Moreover, looking at this issue from the humanities lens provides a cultural perspective on workplace diversity. It deeply digs deep into the meaning and expression of diversity and its applicability within diverse cultures. This leverages the lived experiences of people. Undertaking an in-depth analysis of art, narratives, and cultural practices related to workplace inclusion brings about the diverse nature of diversity. This shows that the issue of diversity goes beyond just mere statistics and that it also involves stories and experiences that determine workplace fabric.

Applying the natural and applied sciences lens to workplace diversity encompasses a complex perspective. Despite not having a traditional focus on the natural sciences, the aspect intersects sociology and psychology. Additionally, scientific techniques can be incorporated to assess the effect of diverse teams on creativity and problem-solving. This can then help in linking diversity to measurable outcomes. On the flip side, the problems come from objectively assessing the subjective experiences of people within the workplace and also examining the nuanced impact of workplace diversity in organizations.

Furthermore, the social lens illuminates the societal and interpersonal aspects of workplace diversity. People who come from diverse backgrounds are massively affected by the social structures for example, systemic barriers, bias, and power dynamics. It is paramount that there be an understanding of how diversity in the workplace impacts interpersonal relationships and contributes to or challenges the current social structures. This would aid in creating inclusive environments in the long run (Roberson, 2019).

References

Roberson, Q. M. (2019). Diversity in the workplace: A review, synthesis, and future research agenda.  Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior,  6, 69-88.