equality and workplace diversity

diversity- is a term used to describe differences among individuals

Social Identity Theory

in the workplace- refers to these difference among people at work. Can include differences such as family status, education, experience

Individual Participation, Managerial Participation, and Organisational Participation

the glass ceiling

a phenomenon that limits the advancement of women and other minority groups to senior managerial positions in organisations

individual participation

managerial participation

organisational participation

approx 25% of key management positions in companies are held by women in AUS

success of organisational diversity initiatives is dependent upon the degree to which employees embrace/resist them

The Public Policy Problem: not focusing on encouraging just diversity, but effective diversity.


The Management Problem: overcoming managerial and individual participation, some examples include keep workgroups small, developing measurable objectives for diversity.

overcoming the phenomenon

formation of sub groups along social categories may result in restricting movement of information

changing societal norms around the role of women and eradicating gender bias

due to exclusion, employees may form further informal subgroups resulting in sub group competition

eliminating stigma surrounding men who wish to stay home for family reasonings

consequence of the dilemma of individual participation

introducing paid-parental leave schemes

managers tend to recruit individuals similar to them

introducing more representative blend of both women and men in senior position roles

individuals seek managers similar to them

those who don't fit in often leave resulting in homogeneous workforce

results in power battles

incorrect perceptions in relation to relationship between homogeneous workers and employee turnover

belief that diversity initiatives benefit society not organisations implementing them

focus on short-term costs and not long-term benefits

creates barriers for selecting highly talented candidates due to inaccurate views