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Diversity Pro Newsletters>
Embracing Diversity Brings Benefits
February 18, 2006
Embracing Diversity Brings Benefits by Dr. Leo Parvis
In many parts of the world diversity may not mean very
much, or may even be hard to translate in a particular
language, because it may not seem very important at all. In
America, Canada, Australia, and some European countries,
where ethnic groups chose to settle and make a new life,
diversity means a lot. Yet, in the United States, when we
talk about diversity some think it refers only to “blacks,”
some define it as “affirmative action” or some may think
about “minorities.” The fact of the matter is that
diversity is all of that, and much more. It is important to
say that diversity is synonymous with a variety that
includes not only differences but similarities as well. As
we ponder the world of diversity, organizations should
value and acknowledge all areas of diversity including but
not limited to race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation,
disability, learning styles, age, and religion. Diversity
does not only represent challenges in society and in
particular in the workplace, it provides benefits that the
majority do not realize until they directly benefit from
it.
When we talk about diversity in an organization, mainly
the focus is on the variety of human resources that shape
the organization. It is extremely important to explore the
talents and uniqueness of individuals which may have been
hidden for a long time. Not many people are comfortable
with presenting themselves. It is up to the leadership team
to recognize their unique resources and value them
continuously. People who come from different backgrounds,
bring a variety of values with them. Paramahansa Yogananda
(1893-1952), an Indian spiritual teacher and a pioneer of
Yoga in the West, once said that we are destined to learn
from different cultures, so that we may select their best
qualities and harmonize them with our own behavior. For
example, in a working environment where there are people
from a variety of places in the world, a collection of
ideas and innovations are at hand. Obviously, people who
react with enthusiasm and put passion into their work, are
considered the company’s assets. The innovations and
advances that diverse groups share with their American
co-workers can be remarkable.
Diversity goes beyond gender and race. It travels all
around the world, due to the fact that large corporations,
these days, establish units around the world or plan global
expansion. Working together, building up teamwork, and
organizing useful planning are the tools of success in any
organization, no matter how small the organization. A
neighborhood activity on fundraising, a challenge of
environmental protection or unity on disease prevention all
require effort, employing ideas, and the effective
mobilization of available resources. In this respect,
people from different cultures and backgrounds provide the
framework we need to achieve our goals.
Throughout history we learned how to deal with people from
other regions who were initially strangers. Either
exploration brought them to us, or perhaps the vicious
attitude of invasion and exploitation was the primary
cause. At any rate, we communed with invaders and intruders
and life continued its normal course.
Consider you are working in a company with a predominantly
Anglo-Saxon culture featuring the same set routine for
production and development. Now, imagine you are part of a
working environment where there are more than 40 ethnic
groups represented and at least more than six members of
the leadership team are representing different cultures.
Obviously the former build-up is not as resourceful or
creative as the latter one. When people from different
backgrounds bring ideas and innovations to the table, the
result of the end-product is amazing. Let’s embrace
diversity and enjoy the numerous benefits it offers.
Dr. Leo Parvis publishes diversity book: “Understanding
Cultural Diversity in Today’s Complex World”
No one in this country is untouched by the impact of
diversity. Yet, as diverse as diversity is, are too the
many different emotions and attitudes evoked by diversity.
As a nation, we are not well equipped to deal with the
swirling transitions that are converging on us on a daily
basis because of the nature of being the most diverse
country in the world.
When Dr. Leo Parvis first started teaching cultural
diversity at Dunwoody College over 3 years ago, he had to
quickly pick a textbook to teach to his classes. After a
few weeks, he was dissatisfied with the text, so he created
a supplemental packet of information in order to provide
students with a more complete educational experience. Then
he started searching for a new textbook. After reviewing
many diversity textbooks, he still wasn’t finding what he
was looking for—a textbook that was a good balance of
theory and relevant examples students could understand and
relate to. So then he took on the long, arduous task of
writing a text of his own. Two years later, his text was
ready to publish. His book is full of examples from today’s
pop culture, including poems, quotes, song lyrics and
examples from TV shows and movies, providing examples
students can easily relate to and remember.
This book is an excellent resource for any individuals
who want to learn more about diversity issues for
themselves. It will be beneficial for teaching college
students, high school juniors and seniors, and
organizations whose ever-changing workforce leads to the
necessity of training employees on how to deal with the
diversity of employees and customers in a positive manner.
For more info or to order, see: www.lulu.com/diversitypro
At diversitypromotions.com, it is our hope that our
products, services, and events will lead people towards:
? Education
? Discovery
? Knowledge
? Acceptance
“Embrace Diversity, Embrace our World!”
Our Web Sites:
See our book storefront at:
www.lulu.com/diversitypro
To learn more about
Dr. Parvis, see his website at:
www.drleoparvis.com
To order products featuring the stunning “Embrace
Diversity” logo, please go to our product site at:
www.diversitypromotions.com
For information about
National Diversity Day,
please go to: www.nationaldiversityday.com
Look for our newest web site for teachers at:
www.teachingdiversity.com
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