1. 2.2.1 Diversity defined
Diversity has been defined in numerous ways. Definitions of the term
range from the
narrow to the very broad. Narrow definitions tend to reflect on the
law of Equal
Employment Opportunity (EEO). Different authors define diversity in
terms of race,
gender, ethnicity, age, national origin, or disability (Carnevale &
Stone, 1995:31). Broad definitions may also include
sexual/affectional orientation, values, personality
characteristics, education, language, physical appearance, marital
status, lifestyle, beliefs, 10 and characteristics such as geographic
origin, tenure with the organisation,
and economic status (Thomas, 1992:27). Hayles (1996:105) for instance
defines
diversity as “all the ways in which we differ”. He adds that the
diversity concept is notvlimited to what people traditionally think
of race, gender, and disabilities.
Tomervik (1991:67) identified four basic themes related to the
definition of diversity:
The diversity concept includes a broad range of differences in
the work force - age, disability, education levels, ethnicity,
family structure, orientation, style, and values. Definitions
are extremely broad and all inclusive;
the meaning aspects of diversity are how it affects the
individual and the organisation;
the broadened definition of diversity requires a culture change
within organisations. Work force diversity necessitates changes
in management styles, human resources systems, philosophies,
and approaches; and
there is an emphasis on communicating a concept of diversity as
more than race, gender, affirmative action and equal employment
opportunity.
According to Thomas (1996:90) diversity has an evolutionary nature,
and it has farreaching impact on individuals and corporations. The
researcher noticed that there is no definitive definition that fully
describes the broad range of differences diversity includes. A broad
definition of diversity goes beyond protected-class differences,
because all individuals bring their differences, including a variety
of group-identity characteristics, to the workplace (Johnson,
1995:17).