Challenges of HR Manager
Challenges of HR Manager
Challenges of HR Manager
Workforce diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization. Diversity encompasses race, gender, ethnic group, age, personality, cognitive style, tenure, organizational function, education, background and more. According to Thomas, dimensions of workplace diversity include, but are not limited to: age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, educational background, geographic location, income, marital status, military experience, religious beliefs, parental status, and work experience.
Understanding DIVERSITY
The notion of diversity suggests different things to different people. Some may consider diversity as a problem, or challenge, that hampers organizational effectiveness. Others may consider diversity an opportunity to expand valuable perspectives and ideas. Differences in characteristics should be recognized and valued, not lost in conformity that produces people who all "look" the same. Work place diversity therefore, intends to also consist of social, economic and political visible and non visible differences which might not have a direct creational origin from the work place, but certainly have direct impact on work attitude and performance at the work place. Workforce Diversity Management is about increasing ones cultural competency, understanding people as individuals rather than groups, and building productive human
Managing DIVERSITY
Managing diversity means managing people in the best interest of employee as well as employer. Managing diversity is an on-going process that explore the various talents and capabilities which a diverse population bring to an organization, so as to create a wholesome, inclusive environment, that is safe for differences, enables people to reject rejection, celebrates diversity, and maximizes the full potential of all, in a cultural context where everyone benefits. Therefore, it is desirable to recognize and value such differences by adapting management practices to different life and work styles of the diverse group. Diversity management involves creating a supportive culture where all employees can be effective. It is important that top management strongly support workplace diversity as a company goal and include diversity initiatives in their companies' business strategies. It has grown out of the need for organization to recognize the changing workforce and other social
INDIAN CONTEXT
Over 400 million women are employed in various streams Socially disadvantaged people (scheduled casts/tribes, etc.) have entered organizations as a result of a policy of reservations and concessions. Old employees have grown in number because of improved medical and health care. IT Industries like Infosys, TCS and Wipro are actively recruiting foreign nationals and women, both by choice and design.
AMERICAN CONTEXT
Blacks will grow from 12.5 to 14% Asians from 5 percent to 11.5% The 55+ age group which currently makes 13% labor force will increase to 20.5 percent by 2014 Number of female workers are projected to increase to 47% by 2015 Currently, as per ILO report, 45% of world women population aged (15-64) are employed.
HOW TO MANAGE?
I. EMBRACE DIVERSITY: Successfully valuing diversity starts with accepting the principle of multiculturalism. Accept the value of diversity for its own sake not simply because you have to. The acceptance must be reflected in actions and words. II. RECRUIT BROADLY: When you have job openings, work to get a diverse applicant pool. Avoid relying on referrals from current employees, since this tends to produce candidates similar to existing work force. An exception is that if the present workforce is fairly diversified then there is no harm in accepting referrals from current employees. III. SELECT FAIRLY: Make sure your selection process does not discriminate. Particularly ensure that selection tests are job related. IV. PROVIDE ORIENTATION AND TRAINING: Making the transition from outsider to insider can be particularly difficult for non-traditional employees. V. SENSITIZE ALL EMPLOYEES: Encourage all employees to embrace diversity. Provide diversity training to help all employees see the value in diversity.
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VII. REINFORCE EMPLOYEE DIFFERENCES: Encourage employees to embrace and value diverse views. Create traditions and ceremonies that promote diversity. Celebrate diversity by accentuating its positive aspects. But also be prepared to deal with the challenges of diversity such as mistrust, miscommunication, and lack of cohesiveness, attitudinal differences and stress.
VIII. INVOLVE ALL WHEN DESIGNING THE PROGRAM: Involve as many employees from every level in the organization as you can when designing a diversity initiative. This gets people talking about the program and promotes ownership and buy-in.
IX. AVOID STEREOTYPES: Stereotypes are pre conceived notions which a person holds for particular person. They are beliefs that all members of specific groups share similar traits and are likely to behave in the same way. Stereotypes create categories and then fit individuals into them. Managers can combat this by mixing teams, creating smaller mixed teams for subtasks, monitoring all team members progress and allowing individuals to volunteer for roles rather than being cast into their
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7. MAKE IT UNIFYING: Rather than polarizing or alienating, which many diversity programs tend to be as they recreate social inequities 8. MAKE IT STANDARD: Role model an appreciation of differences from the top down; the message must stem from leadership and business vision, and be modeled by senior executives. 9. MAKE IT COLLABORATIVE: Encourage accountability and ownership of the responsibility for fostering an inclusive environment by all managers and staff throughout the organization. 10. MAKE IT COMPREHENSIVE: Cover the basics, like rolling out compliance training and developing anti-harassment and anti-bias policies, but be sure to assign critical importance to the development of intercultural competence and the associated skills.
2. CAREER DEVELOPMENT:
Programs that promote valuing differences and managing diversity can be useful in creating a positive climate for career advancement.
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