Why Does Cultural Diversity In The Workplace Matter?
Cultural Diversity matters to every single one of us, both professionally and personally. When a group or segment of our population is excluded or oppressed, all of us are denied. For our businesses and communities to not only survive, but to thrive, each of us needs to be aware and sensitive to ALL the members of the community. Our communities are rich with human resources. When all segments are respected and utilized, it benefits everyone involved. A great many of us live on the “margins” of society. To be in a margin means that you are not a part of the mainstream, popular culture. In this nation, our popular culture, or ideal for business success, is white, young, heterosexual, Christian, and male. In regards to cultural diversity in the workplace, you are on the margins if you are: • a woman • have ANY ethnic background that is non-white • are not a heterosexual • are not a Christian • are not between the ages of 21-50 If you can answer “yes” to any one of these criteria, you live
