The concept of diversity is prevalent in human resources literature. Racial and cultural diversity has become the norm in American workplaces. The increase in diversity is due to a variety of factors driving its growing presence in the U.S. workplace. The globalization of the international economy and marketplace, an increase in racial and cultural sensitivity, a changing American demographic and others factors are responsible. The growth in racial and cultural diversity in the workplace presents numerous challenges for human resource management. African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans are becoming more visible and gaining more significant positions in the U.S. workforce. All of these groups are projected to gain an even larger presence in the U.S. workforce in future. Because of this, it is imperative that human resource managers come to terms with workplace diversity and acquire the knowledge, skills, and interests needed to succeed in a multicultural and challenging environment.
Impact of Race & Culture on Human Resources
The growth in diversity in the U.S. workforce requires a greater understanding of culture and cultural differences. Brislin (1993) maintains that culture consists of ôideals, values, and assumptions about life that are widely shared among people and that guide specific behaviorsö (5). In light of the enormous importance of and variation in cultures, human resource managers in the contemporary workplace must gain knowledge and develop sensitivity to such variations. This is necessary in order to effectively organize and lead workers to achieve goals, while reducing workplace conflict and tensions that arise due to cultural and racial differences.
Human resource managers must acquire a variety of skills in order to successfully manage a diverse workforce. For example, the ability to communicate well with employees from a variety of cultures is important. So, too, management mu...