Maxadyne Resources, Inc. Comment Form

What is Diversity?

Author: Maria Tramontin, Resource Solutions

When you hear the word diversity what comes to mind? The word diversity makes different people think of different things. What does the concept of diversity mean to you? Maybe you think of EEO, affirmative action or even cultural sensitivity. This is probably because historically managing diversity began in these areas, with the goal of integrating or assimilating minorities and women into the workplace.

Today’s diversity efforts have evolved past these earlier initiatives. Look at our global, international marketplace and at the versatile human demographics in the workplace. The goal of managing diversity today is about inclusion. Diversity includes everyone, not just individuals of minority groups but individuals of majority groups as well. Diversity is race, gender and age but it is also culture, family background, education, politics, regional origin, profession, communication style, perceptions, values, beliefs, etc. Each individual brings unique and valuable skills to the workplace. Managing diversity is about individuals working successfully together, not about individuals being categorized into groups.

The challenge and opportunity of diversity initiatives today is about establishing and maintaining a work environment that encourages and allows every individual to contribute to their fullest ability and reach their potential in support of company goals. Maximizing the use of the diverse individual human skills in the workplace not only increases individual success but leverages competitive advantage, corporate success and (ROI) return on investment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maria C. Tramontin has her own human resources consulting company, Resource Solutions, and has over 15 years experience in human resources management and training and development. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Michigan State University.

Ms. Tramontin is actively involved in the community and is a member and Boardmember of several professional organizations including Director, Cultural Diversity, and Director, Professional Development for the Houston Human Resources Management Association (HHRMA), Vice President, Education/Programs for the Houston Society for Healthcare Human Resources Association (HSHHRA), The Amercian Society of Training and Development (ASTD), and Houston Area Association of Personnel Consultants (HAAPC).

Ms. Tramontin may be reached at martra@worldnet.att.net You may also view her website at http://home.att.net/~martra/

for further information regarding this article or other
HR concerns, please contact cordellcn@maxadyne.com