Question

What is the difference between surface-level diversity and deep-level diversity, and why is it important for managers to recognize BOTH in the workplace?

Answer 1

Surface level diversity are those differences which can be easily noticeable age, colour, gender, culture, language, disability, etc.

Deep-level diversity are those differences which are not easily noticeable, they are communicated through verbal and non verbal behaviours. For example, differences with attitude, values, beliefs, etc.

It is important for manager to recognize both to maintain diversity in both of them. He should see that no team or team member faces the wrath of these surface level or deep level diversity differences. He should see that each should have ideally match diversied members in surface diversity i.e people of all age, different color, both genders etc in the team. At the same time the team should have match in deep level diversity factors as well. I.e the team should have no difference in attitudes, follow common values and beliefs