Responses Week of 5/25

  1. The sentences I chose to write are the following:
    In discussions of workplace diversity climate, one controversial issues has been that there is an indirect relationship between diversity policy and minorities leadership goals. On the one hand, Gundemir et al argues that diversity policies positively impact minority employees goals of leadership.

    I used the basic template that Graff and Birkenstein used for opening a debate. I used one of the hypothesis that was proven to be false as the counter and the conclusion that the study drew as the argument for Gundemir et al. This approach framing was useful as it was able to filter my thinking. Usually when I write, I include other information or “fluff” that does not need to be included. However, this framing was able to filter my thinking and have me think about what exactly is important and needs to be included, and what isn’t.

  2. Gundemir et al and Austin and Pisano created a deeper level of understanding to diversity in organizations. For Gundemir et al, diversity inclusion gave hope to those in the minority and made them feel more comfortable going for authoritative opportunities and achieving their goals. This type of environment reflects a society that we as a whole hope to have one day — one where anyone can achieve their goals. Those who disabilities are also included in this, which Austin and Pisano elaborate on. Not only is diversity about race and ethnicity, it is about ability or disability or any identity. These articles cemented the idea that those who are given the opportunity, will thrive just like everyone else. As a member of SU and someone who is aspiring to become part of the work force, these articles further my drive to be apart of a job that doesn’t discriminate against anyone.

Unit 1 question responses, Aaron

  1. The article “Why diversity matters” does a good job at using graphics to grab our attention immediately and show some of the differences in company performance when they are more diverse. The first research question that I find myself looking at is the actual title of this article. I know that is a broad question to ask in terms of research, but the statistics that are cited in this article help a lot as far as pointing out why it is beneficial to have a mixed group of people in a workplace. It seems that if you are an employee of a company and you’re trying to be more productive at work, it would help to have a positive mindset and also be challenged- I feel diversity fits both of those parameters.
    In the article “What is organizational culture and why should we care?” It’s instantly noticed that while there are some similarities in the contributors view on culture, there are also some differences, and that was worth looking into further for me, to ask “Is diversity of thought in the same sphere as race, gender, orientation, etc.?” I know it wasn’t anything super profound, but to see, or read other peoples views while asked the same question was something I valued.
  2.  In my professional life I have been lucky enough to have a diverse group of people that surrounded me. The bulk of my jobs have been warehouse employment, where admittedly going into them I had a preconceived idea of what kind of person would be working there (a white male), and while that may have been the majority in most cases, there certainly were other genders, races and mixes of openly gay, straight, trans people working with me. This was a godsend to me because even throughout my personal life I strive to live by that saying “diversity is the spice of life”. By this I mean  that it’s boring just being around the same kind of person that you are (in my opinion), and not only that, it helps your performance, your expansion of ideas, and your attitude. With all of the political division that has been going on lately I have always tried my hardest to seek out conversation with people who may look at things differently than I do, because shutting people out who don’t look like I do or think like I do seems very destructive.