So far in our Diversity Week we have covered the Definition of diversity, What is Inclusion, Why is heritage and culture important, and the challenges faced when practicing diversity. Today we turn to the benefits that result when an organization practices valuing diversity.
Today’s organizations are realizing that in order to be successful they must value the diversity of their employees and the clients they serve. But are they totally aware of the power of diversity?
In an article in Forbes about Diversity, Katherine Phillips, co-chair of the Center on the Science of Diversity at the Kellogg School of Management, says:
“When anyone in a group has perspectives, opinions or information that vary from the consensus, our research suggests, the mere presence of social diversity will make them express, and others consider, those perspectives in a way that benefits the group.”
In thinking about those benefits, here is how the crowd from the tweet chat #leadfromwithin, moderated by Lolly Daskal @LollyDaskal perceives inclusion to be.
What benefits result when an organization practices valuing diversity?
Love this #leadfromwithin RT@TMODOM: Valuing #Diversity = Increased #engagement, #innovation, #passion, sense of #meaning and #mission focus
— Michelle Z. Prohov (@MZProhov) July 18, 2012
A7 Your org. will have access to more and varied ideas that can propel your team to greatness. #leadfromwithin
— Pat Robeck (@TrvLpat) July 18, 2012
A7: Diversity can open doors to innovation, lead to greater scope of vision.#leadfromwithin
— Simon Harvey (@Simon_GB) July 18, 2012
RT @leadershipmd: A7: Embracing diversity leads to an increase in productivity and flexibility #leadfromwithin
— Jen Olney (@gingerconsult) July 18, 2012
A7 stronger, better results, inclusive, just a feel good place to be! #Leadfromwithin
— Neda McGuire (@ckgerontologist) July 18, 2012
Diversity is the anvil against which we have a chance to forge greater perspective. #leadfromwithin
— Dr. John Grinnell (@leedership) July 18, 2012
A7: Valuing diversity means creating an org culture that will have people knocking on the door to join #leadfromwithin
— Alli Polin (@AlliPolin) July 18, 2012
YES!RT @EdwardColozzi: A7 Benefits?? The Organization Finally Gets REAL #Leadfromwithin
— Neda McGuire (@ckgerontologist) July 18, 2012
A7. Teams function more effectively. The organisation delivers more for stakeholders/cultural acceptance breaks barriers. #Leadfromwithin
— Kenny Rose (@KRLRose) July 18, 2012
A7 People become motivated by potential and vision rather than loss, differences and fear. #Leadfromwithin
— Kenny Rose (@KRLRose) July 18, 2012
A7: Diversity brings a richness of heritage, experience, culture, and point of view that is invaluable to the bottom line. #leadfromwithin
— Kneale Mann (@knealemann) July 18, 2012
A7:Diversity within organizations build stronger bonds within, inclusion becomes standard. #leadfromwithin
— Simon Harvey (@Simon_GB) July 18, 2012
Yep RT @blairglaser: A7 Orgs without diversity are dry and crusty. I know you can all think of a few. #leadfromwithin
— Kneale Mann (@knealemann) July 18, 2012
A7:Valuing diversity is valuing humanity at the core. #leadfromwithin
— Simon Harvey (@Simon_GB) July 18, 2012
People hearts are connected w/work skills! RT @StrategicMonk A7: Valuing diversity means that an organization values people. #leadfromwithin
— Luis San Vicente (@lsanvicent) July 18, 2012
Remember. . .
Diversity is a competitive business advantage. It brings substantial potential benefits such as better decision making, improved problem solving, greater creativity and innovation, and many more. No doubt diversity is a competitive business advantage which leads to enhanced product development, and more successful marketing to different types of customers.
In lieu of the above, leaders must be willing and able to work towards making any needed changes in themselves and the organization in order to create a culture of diversity and inclusion.
Join the conversation in the comments below and tell us your thoughts about the benefits of diversity in organizations.
Photo by: lumaxart