Diversity relates to differences such as gender, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability or any other source of difference.
Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. As such, Australian businesses and managers expect staff to adopt behaviours that foster respect and inclusion.
The benefits of managing diversity in a business include:
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Enhanced corporate reputation among diverse groups in the community and international markets
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Legal compliance with national and state laws that cover equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination in the workplace
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Increased organisational effectiveness - for example, gaining access to new markets and enhancing productivity
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A fair, harmonious, inclusive organisation.
Employees are protected from discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, religion, gender, disability and sexual orientation by law but the benefits of a diverse workforce are also economic. This video outlines some of the beneftis of a diverse workforce.
Website
- Reaping the Benefits of Diversity for Modern Business Innovation
- Vic Health Information Sheet on how preventing race-based discrimination and supporting cultural diversity in the workplace can enhance innovation, creativity, productivity and save money
Watch
- How Diversity Fuels Group Emotional Intelligence - Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence and Focus, explains how diversity leads to greater productivity.
- Austraian of the year 2016 - David Morrison AO is recognised internationally for his commitment to gender equality, diversity and inclusion. But when former Lieutenant-General David Morrison ordered misbehaving troops to ‘get out’ if they couldn’t accept women as equals, his video went viral and he started a cultural shift that has changed Australia’s armed forces forever.