Question

Organizational Behavior

2-1: Describe the two major forms of workplace diversity. Deep level diversity and surface-level diversity.

2-3: Describe how the key biographical characteristics are relevant to OB.

2-2: Demonstrate how workplace discrimination undermines organizational effectiveness.

2-6: Describe how organizations manage diversity effectively.

Answer 1

2-1 Surface-level diversity: are those differences that are easily noticeable such as age, gender, ethnicity/race, culture, language, disability etc. Not easy to change.

Example: Racial differences cannot be scaled down to zero.

Deep-level diversity: not easily noticeable and measurable since they are communicated through verbal and non-verbal behaviors.

Examples: personal differences in attitudes, values, beliefs and personality.

2-3 Biographical characteristics such as

age- relationship between job performance and age:

Itis common belief that job performance declines with increasing age.

Mandatory retirement after certain age.

Its workers get older, they will rarely quit job.

Less absenteeism.

Better productivity due to huge experience.

Higher job satisfaction as little expectation.

Gender: Some differences in job performance between men and women

The perception about women is less likeable, more hostile, and less desirable assupervisors.

Women need more flexible work schedules and a work-life balance.

Women often quit their job and have high absenteeism.Mothers rated low in competence.

Race : (-> discrimination)

-Employment tenure (length of time spend at an employer -> increase job satisfaction)

-Religion (effects on regulations etc.)

Are some of the most obvious ways employees differ.

2-2 Discrimination leads to lower effectiveness / motivation / high absenteeism / turnover

2 - 6 effective Diversity Management capitalizes on diversity for organizationalsuccess. This includes recruiting and selection as well as training and development ofemployees to take advantage of diverse workforces. Effective programs have threecomponents:

1.They teach managers about the legal framework for equal employment opportunityand encourage fair treatment of all people.

2. They teach manger how to diverse workforce eill be better able to serve a diverse market of customer and client

3. They foster personal development practices that bring out the skill and ability of the worker.