Response to #1
Testing out my first template from the TSIS article sounds interesting, as it will allow me the opportunity to apply some of the templates discussed in the book. In my experience when writing, there are often many different statistics, thoughts and information that are discussed throughout one single article. In my writing I have the issue of going in many different directions, so I believe that this template will be beneficial. For reference, I will be using the template noted in chapter 1 of the TSIS, as well as the intro for the I say part.
Many people assume that certain policies fit the needs of all individuals within the organization. Gundemir, a postdoctoral research scholar at Columbia Business school examines how this is not the case, as organizational diversity policies have an impact on many minority employees personal as well as professional goals. In her study, she examines how organizations’ diversity policies have an impact on both minority employees’ personal as well as professional aspirations. I agree with Gundemirs conclusion that organizational diversity policies are essential in moving towards an increased number and percentage of minorities in leadership roles. Along with this, by creating a more welcoming environment, new goals are set and the organization becomes more productive as a result.
This was my first attempt at using the template, so I would appreciate any feedback. I felt like at the end I began to go off format. I found it really difficult to stick with the format, as I usually like to write all of my thoughts down, and then go back and edit them. I had trouble figuring out how to use the template in an effective way, as it took a considerable amount of time for me to decide which template to use.
Response to #2
The two readings both spoke towards the need of changing policies within organizations. More specifically, in the past and even currently, many organizations use blanket policies, whereas they should be altering their policies and creating new policies to cater to the needs of different individuals. Often when I think of diversity I think of sexual preferences, race and gender. Pisanos article helped me realize that there are many other different ways that an individual can be considered diverse, for example, being neurodiverse. Just as there are many ways to define or describe organizational culture, there are many different ways to categorize or describe diversity.
Austin and Pisano also discuss why having neurodiverse individuals is beneficial for the organization. Some of the benefits include increased productivity, availability of more direct communication with employees, along with creating benefits pertaining to the reputation of the organization in general. Many STEM companies also recognize the benefits of having neurodiverse employees (ex: ability to recognize patterns with numbers), just as others recognize the importance for ethnic and gender diversity. All diverse employees offer different perspectives, ways to approach problems, or even ideas surrounding a specific topic. These different perspectives allow for unique solutions to problems or projects which may be beneficial towards the organization as a whole. The article on why diversity is important recognized this as well, however they focused on gender and ethnic diversity.
When I thought about how all of the different articles we have read are connected, it fascinated me. It also made me realize that everything is connected, and it is important to analyze different elements within the organization, whether it be from a human resource perspective, or from designing new policies for the organization. It is all important and plays a critical role in not only the professional aspect for employees, but also their personal lives.
I have found that in my time at Syracuse, hearing different perspectives from people is always interesting. Whether they are on the east or west coast in the United States, or living in Asia, every person that I have encountered has always offered a unique view on how to approach a group project, or sharing about their own experiences. Being considerate of others and encouraging people to share their differences allows for me to personally think about all of the different ways that there are to approach projects.
Highlight of my week
This week I went on a hike. I took a picture of a poison dart frog, they are very rare and hard to see so I was excited when I saw it. They are also fluorescent.
Julia,
I know you were hesitant about liking the ending of your sentence using the template, but I thought it was great! I think the ending was good because you offered more information that could back up Gundemir’s argument.
Hi Julia!
I completely agree with what you said about your experience at Syracuse! I have loved to interact and work with people at school who come from different places. I think it is so interesting share experiences that are very different. I have enjoyed seeing how people from different areas can bring new perspectives to the table. I have lived in the same place my entire life and college has been a great way to meet people who share differences with me and can teach me something new or help me see something differently.
Hi Julia,
Your response on hearing different perspectives at Syracuse struck a chord with me. I enjoy having classes with my professor in South Africa and classmates throughout the world. It definitely brings a “diversity” of its own to my college experience. Just as the many corporations learned to deal with neurodiversity, I suspect many colleges learned to deal with the diversity required of the pandemic crisis. I guess that’s the importance of the collegiate experience…learning to see things from a different perspective.
That is some frog! I’ve only ever seen ones like that in the zoo, never in the wild. Pretty cool experience.
As you noted, reading about diversity gets us thinking about our own experiences within organizations, and that can provide a valuable entry point into the material we’re reading. It’s also useful, as you’ve done here, to consider the points of connection between different texts on the same subject. When we do that as readers (and as researchers and writers), we’re making our own ideas and preparing to participate in the broader discussion that surrounds these issues. That’s how we move along our own understanding, and it’s how we can contribute to the world of knowledge.
That’s where I see you headed in your use of the template in #1. I don’t see you getting off track here, but you’re starting to open the door toward getting more specific, for instance, to think about how policies might shape a particular organization and the experiences of the folks within it. Your use of the template seems to be pointing you toward questions about the practical implications of these theoretical ideas. That’s a good start!