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DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT 5

Abdullah Balfkhar

Professor: Jones

Hospitality diversity management

5/4/2016

Hospitality Industry Expert Interview

Running head: DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT 1

The reason why humanity has continued to prosper in almost all areas has been attributed to our diversity. Also, the diversity is very good thing which will create variety of ideas, experiences and methods of doing things. According to Business Advantages of Diversity in the Workplace article, “Among the advantages of diversity in the workplace are: increased creativity, increased productivity, new attitudes, new language skills, global understanding, new processes, and new solutions to difficult problems”. In the hospitality industry there a lot of diversity in works and clients also that include race, gender, religion and age. Consequently, is very important for people to understand the diversity to deal with it. To clarify the diversity issue I have interviewed with Shelby who is event manager at Erik’s Ranch & Retreat. During the interview I have asked a lot questions about the diversity in general and in her workplace. She pointed out that how it is important for managers understand diversity when it comes to the workplace. Also, how it is important for them to deal the issue in way that benefit the company.

1- What do you know about diversity in the workplace and do you have diversity in the workplace? No, there is not much diversity within my workplace.

The workplace is mostly women of one ethnicity. There is however, adults with disabilities which does create some diversity. Diversity is important in the workplace as it creates a work environment that is welcoming to all.

2- What are the most important issues to consider when it comes to diversity management?

It is important to make sure that the policies, procedures and the work environment is fair for all employees. When there is diversity in the workplace, there will be different opinions and ways of life so it is important to take that into consideration when managing each.

3- What are two relevant examples that demonstrate situations where diversity issues have potentially become a problem within the workplace and how did you handle the problem?

Working with adults with autism has not been an issue, but has been a challenge as I am not used to working with people of disabilities. In my previous position, I worked with planning events for a non-profit organization whose mission was to support adults with autism. The procedures that the management team put in place had to work for all employees.

5- How can you deal with issues diversity positively?

The best way to deal with issues with diversity in a positive manner is to try and understand your employees or co-workers in order to know what practices and management works best for each employee. It is easy to get frustrated when conflict arises from diversity, but it usually stems from the lack to understand where the individuals are coming from.

6- What advice can you give to young people who want to have a career in hospitality get to understand the importance of diversity in the sector?

The best advice that I can give is to be open-minded and try to understand others in the workplace. Diversity is a great thing for businesses as everyone is unique and can bring something new to the table. Finding the best practices in managing this diversity is key for any organization.

After interviewed Shelby my knowledge, understanding and awareness have increased a lot. As she mentioned in the interview it is very challenging for mangers handle diversity in the workplace, but it is very possible if the manger used the appropriate methods. Also, having training program and provide classes for students like diversity management class will help widespread of awareness among managers and workers which will make easer to deal with issue. Having clear and strong policies and procedures will limit of the issue in the workplace. There many methods that can be used for mangers and companies to help them to diversity issue. Dr. Geetha Garib has suggest four elements that are important for mangers to help them to diversity issue. “These elements are training, transparency, time, and togetherness”. Using these elements is significant way for managers to handle the diversity issue in their workplace.

References

Business Advantages of Diversity in the Workplace. (2004). Retrieved May 04, 2016, from http://www.ethnoconnect.com/articles/9-business-advantages-of-diversity-in-the-work-place.

Garib, G. (2015). Four T’s to Deal with Diversity. Retrieved May 04, 2016, from http://www.diversityjournal.com/4238-four-ts-to-deal-with-diversity/.