ASSESSMENT 1 BSBDIV601 (1)

ASSESSMENT 1: WRITTEN QUESTIONS

Question

(a) Describe what is currently meant by “diversity” as it relates to business? (50 – 80 words)

Diversity is about including different ideas, backgrounds and opinions in the mix when making key decisions, developing and generating new ideas and solutions to our internal challenges, and also to our clients’ toughest challenges externally. It is about encouraging variety of thought, embracing new ideas and creating a culture that fosters innovation by valuing these differences. 

Identify and explain three (3) ways in which diversity can benefit business operations.

1. Diverse perspectives can foster innovation.

Diverse perspectives can also help you develop better products to meet your customers needs.

2. Diverse teams will perform better, and come up with better ideas.

If you have a team of people with different skills, backgrounds, and prior experiences, you’re more likely to have people who offer unique ideas and brainstorm better solutions.

3. Diversity can help you become a global leader.

It’s likely you already work with clients or vendors from other countries. As your competitors scale up globally, it’s critical you’re able to do the same.

(b) Briefly explain what business operations can be linked to diversity (at least three)

Broader Employee Base

A diverse workplace may facilitate employment in far-flung parts of the world. The idea of a central office or single meeting space might vanish, replaced by virtual hubs that stay in contact via email and online communication.

Challenges of Communication

With diversity comes new means of expression, as employees from different cultures and backgrounds communicate in slightly different ways.

Costs and Profits

If properly implemented, a diverse workplace will generate more income for the company in the form of broader sales and greater productivity.

(c) Identify and explain three (3) ways in which diversity can benefit business operations.

Increase in Productivity

Workforce diversity can bring about an increase in productivity and competitive advantages. Employers can offer more solutions to customers because of new ideas and processes brought into the organization

Increase in Creativity

Workforce diversity increases creativity within a company because heterogeneous groups are cross-fertilizing one another within the organization.

Language Skills and Community Relations

Companies that plan to expand into global markets benefit from language diversity in the workplace.

Question 2.

(a) How does the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity apply to a company’s recruitment policy? (50-150 words)

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is the principle that everyone can have equal access to employment opportunities based on merit, without fear of discrimination or harassment. 

Many employers develop EEO policies to promote workplace diversity and create a safe workplace for all employees. Employers who promote EEO attract more diverse workers, improve worker productivity and promote a healthy workplace culture.

Furthermore, employers can minimise liability in the event of a complaint from an employee. Employers are usually held responsible for any discrimination, harassment and bullying of employees by others in the company.......

Furthermore, employers can minimise liability in the event of a complaint from an employee. Employers are usually held responsible for any discrimination, harassment and bullying of employees by others in the company.

(b) What is ‘affirmative action’? Give an example.

Affirmative action is a policy in which an individual’s color, race, sex, religion or national origin are taken into account to increase opportunities provided to an underrepresented part of society. Businesses and government entities implement affirmative action programs to increase the number of people from certain groups within companies, institutions, and other areas of society.

Example: Outreach for Diversity

One of the least controversial affirmative action measures is the process of changing the way the organization looks for new hires

Question 3.

Describe what is meant by “diversity” as it relates to each of the following in a business environment, and provide an example for each (20-100 words each):

a. Cultures

Cultural diversity is the quality of diverse or different cultures, as opposed to monoculture, the global monoculture, or a homogenization of cultures, akin to cultural decay. The phrase cultural diversity can also refer to having different cultures respect each other’s differences.

b. Beliefs

Religion and belief is a protected characteristic that refers to a:

Religion (e.g. Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Rastafarianism, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Buddhism).

Denomination of a religion (e.g. Anglicanism, Catholicism, Sunni, Lamaism).

Religious or philosophical belief (e.g. Humanism, Spiritualism, Atheism and Climate Change).

c. Traditions and practices

Cultural practice generally refers to the manifestation of a culture or sub-culture, especially in regard to the traditional and customary practices of a particular ethnic or other cultural group.

Question 4.

Explain how diversity contributes to business advantage. (50-150 words)

#1: Variety of different perspectives

Diversity in the workplace ensures a variety of different perspectives.

#2: Increased creativity

Diversity in the workplace leads to increased creativity.

#3: Higher innovation

Diversity in the workplace leads to higher innovation rate.

#4: Faster problem-solving

Companies with higher workplace diversity solve problems faster.

Question 5.

Identify three (3) legislative acts that relate to diversity.

Age Discrimination Act 2004

The Age Discrimination Act 2004 protects people from age discrimination in employment, the provision of goods and services, education and the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs.

Disability Discrimination Act 1992

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 seeks to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities. Read more.

Racial Discrimination Act 1975

The Racial Discrimination Act 1975, promotes equality before the law for all people regardless of…

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