Negative Effects of Diversity in the Workplace

by Neil Kokemuller, Demand Media

Diversity management is especially important in companies with teambased work structures.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Diversity in Workplace Negative Impacts of Workplace Diversity Examples of Diversity Problems in the Workplace Causes & Effects of Diversity in the Workplace Examples of Communication Problems in the Workplace The Effects of Negativity in the Workplace Diversity in the workplace is generally regarded as a positive for companies that manage it effectively. However, a workforce that has significant differences in ethnicity, race, religion, gender and other individual traits can produce negative effects, especially if not well-managed. These negative effects of diversity are understandable if the work culture does not support tolerance and acceptance of differences.
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Communication Barriers
When you build a workforce with employees from different cultures and countries, you increase the number of communication filters and language barriers that impact internal and external communication processes. Work cultures that

are more heterogeneous usually find communication easier because employees do not have to work as hard to overcome language and culture issues. Some larger organizations hire interpreters and diversity trainers to help employees work through communication challenges of diversity.

Cultural Resistance
In "Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges and Solutions," in The Multicultural Advantage, Josh Greenberg, president of employee-survey firm AlphaMeasure in Boulder, Colorado, points out that resistance to change is common in workplaces. When companies become more diverse, it changes the relationships and nature of the workplace. These changes can cause stress among employees and contribute to negative working relationships and poor workplace morale, if not well-planned and managed. Training employees about diversity is important if it will effect their work roles and processes. Related Reading: Advantages and Disadvantages of Diversity in Workplace

Discrimination
Often, companies that intentionally hire a diverse workforce have human resources processes in place to manage diversity. However, companies that slowly become diverse without a strategic plan may find more discrimination between managers and subordinates and between employees. Consider that discrimination is unfair treatment of someone because of distinguishing traits. Naturally, if you have a diverse workforce there is more opportunity for discrimination since diversity is based on distinguishing traits among workers.

Increased Costs
In his recommended steps to effective diversity management, Greenberg includes diversity assessment, development and implementation of diversity workplace plans and various approaches to diversity training. All of these processes have direct and indirect costs associated. Use of supplies, consultants and outside professionals, and other materials are direct costs. Indirect costs include the significant time involved by company employees providing and receiving training and participating in other aspects of analyzing and implementing diversity management.
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