...Shelley Reflective Paper: Diversity, What Does It Mean to You? HRM582 11/1/2012 The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines diversity as “an instance of being composed of differing elements or qualities” (Merriam-Webster). Based on past and present life experiences, I have to agree with this definition. Diversity, or different qualities, is within each person, group of people, and organization. I was raised most of my life in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is a major city with many different types of people. I went to school with whites, blacks, Hispanics, and other races. Having diversity, or people who were different, around me was an everyday thing. In the eleventh grade our family moved to a tiny, one stoplight town called Frankton, Indiana. It was a very different environment for me due to the lack of diversity in the town. The town consisted of mainly white people. I think there was only one black person in the entire school. I remember talking to a few of the students about where I came from and the diversity I had grown up with. They were amazed I came from such a big city as Indianapolis. Everyone asked me questions about what it was like to live in an area that was so diversified. It was hard to believe that even in this era the people of this town seemed to be so secluded and seem to have no idea about other races or cultures. There was not much diversity in this small town, therefore they seemed to be only educated about what they knew. I believe education is the...
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...Reflective Paper: Diversity, What Does It Mean To You? Name HRM582 - Managing Global Diversity Professor J. Huddleston July 13, 2014 Reflective Paper: Diversity, What Does It Mean To You? Growing up in Louisiana, Georgia, and California, I was afforded the opportunity to play and work with different groups. It was me and the black kids, or me and the white kids, or me and the (insert race) kids. Rarely was it a mixture. There were always cliques. No one seemed to notice, or no one cared, because that’s how it had always been. I noticed. I didn’t know what to do about it or even if I could anything. What I did know, even a young age was race, color, sex, religion, height, weight, eye color, or anything that made someone different than me, intrigued me. I was the social butterfly. This is just who I was and still am today. I knew what diverse, and by extension, diversity meant, but I never applied it in a social context. When I joined the military, I quickly noticed in basic training, through all the yelling, and hurrying to get to the next location to sit and wait until we were told to hurry someplace else, we were all different yet we were working as a team to achieve a common goal....graduate basic training and begin our military careers. We hailed from different parts of the country, even different parts of the world. North, south, east, west, mid-west, “country”, southern, Asia, and Middle East. In spite of our inherent differences, we came together...
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...What Does Diversity Mean to You, and What Does a Diverse Insurance Industry Look Like? By Amanda M. White, CPCU, API As I was preparing to start thinking about the topic of diversity, I did what most of us do these days. I did an internet search on the term. The search results were overwhelming and easily set a picture of what diversity is, without even having to click on a single link. But, while the search results may provide a definition of diversity, those results do not reflect the importance of diversity in the insurance industry and the role of insurance professionals in its development. Diversity is so much more than just the surface qualities of race or gender. It encompasses all qualities that make us unique, as an individual or as part of a group. And it’s acceptance, respect, and understanding of those unique qualities. As today’s economy and business world continues to expand globally, diversity moves to the forefront. There will be more cultures, personalities, and talents at play. In order to be successful, a company must understand how all of those qualities affect motivation, communication, and performance. When it does, it will benefit from better communication and teamwork, enhanced morale, and a higher level of creativity. Now that I’ve given the formal explanation, let me try to answer the first half of the question posed. What does diversity mean to me? In simple terms, I believe that diversity is learning from others that aren’t the same as me. I grew up...
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...There are many forms of diversity. Prior to this class, I mentally defined diversity as solely the color of one's skin and their culture. This course has enlightened me on the fact that diversity applies to so much more than the color of your skin. Diversity is social class, your age, your gender, your sexuality, your mental and physical health, your relationship status, your religion, etc. This class has taught me numerous things about diversity, the world I live in, and myself. It has explained to me how society has created difference in human diversity. In class we learned about different groups of people in the US, and each group's history, economic and social settings, including social justice and how much “power” they're given. Each group...
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...Leadership attributes I have taken the test. The results are very essential. To me they say almost what I am and how I view things in life and at work. The following are the top five strengths for me as given as a result of the test. The top ones are the strongest ones: • Fairness, equity and justice • Industry, diligence and perseverance • Judgment, critical thinking and open-mindedness • Leadership • Appreciation of beauty and excellence. My lowest score traits The following have been identified as my least attributes. I will start here by the lowest as per my scores. What it means is that this list is in reverse order: • Bravery • Forgiveness and mercy • Capacity to love and be loved • Social intelligence • Humor and playfulness According to the list above what it means is that I am poorest in bravery and valor. I am better in forgiveness and mercy than in bravery and valor. Am I in agreement? Yes I am in agreement with the results of the test I have taken. The only point where I do not think I am such low on is in mercy. I am a very merciful person, but sometimes it is a bit difficulty for me to forgive people who continuously are wrong to me. Those who commit offences once or twice and that is through mistakes, I am willing and able to forgive. I am in agreement in most of these attributes because what is explained is what usually what I do in my life. For example my first rated point is that of: fairness, equity and justice. I have these principles because...
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...Defining Diversity Defining Diversity * To me, diversity encompasses a wide range of elements in which to classify a student population. It includes the obvious such as race/ethnicity, culture, gender, disabilities, and socio-economic status. However, diversity goes so much deeper. Diversity also includes the various cognitive levels in students, the different styles in which they learn, and the various levels of motivation in students. Each of these diversity categories can be evidenced in an educational setting. The impact it has on a school can be positive if it is approached and handled appropriately by the school and its’ teachers. If it is not, it can have very negative effects on the school and the student. Having low expectations and showing bias toward one diverse group over another can have a very negative and lasting impact. It is important to acknowledge that ALL students can achieve if given the motivation and encouragement to do so. According to Janine Bempechat, high achievers in all ethnic groups believed that success was die to hard work. She concluded, “Teachers need to help low achievers understand that poor performance does not result from a lack of ability as much as from lack of trying” (Nieto & Bode, 2008). It is for this reason that it is of utmost importance that teachers convey positive messages to their students. Building self-esteem can be the first step in academic achievement. If students do not believe they have the ability...
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...Diversity in the Nursing Environment Robin Glunt RN SOC/315 December 12, 2011 Jenel Cavazos Diversity in the Nursing Environment Diversity is a fact of the nursing environment in terms of relationships with colleagues and with patients. Nurses are required to work with and take care of individuals from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This can be both a challenge and an enriching experience. In nursing all dimensions of cultural diversity are experienced regularly including the primary dimensions of diversity such as age, ethnic heritage, mental/physical ability, race, gender and sexual orientation. Secondary dimensions are considered as part and parcel of understanding patient needs in a health care setting and these may include income, religion, education and family status (Stockdale M.S., 2004). Understanding diversity is pivotal to successful patient care because patient needs are often largely defined by patient experience and expectations. All of the factors that define diversity are inherent in how a patient will perceive their care and what their expectations will be in receiving care. Nurses who understand this are better able to offer compassion, appropriate services, tolerance and support. It is important when considering patient care to recognize the difference between diversity and inclusion. Diversity compared to inclusion in the health care environment Diversity defines the lifestyle and experiences and individual may have which will inform...
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...of humanity is the diversity of thought and lifestyle. I believe that ethics and diversity go hand in hand, as each individual has developed their codes based on their personal experiences and backgrounds. It is this fact that I do not believe in one set of ethics for all people, but rather a mix of ethics. I found each set of ethics interesting and could relate, on some level, to all of them. Behind each set of ethics, there is an underlying motive driving the choices that we make. Ancient philosophers believed that ethics were a means to perfecting human existence. The code that existed for the theorists of the ancients reflects the time that they lived. There is a comforting simplicity that was drawn in ancient ethics and in ideal world these ethics make sense, to me. For instance, Socrates compares human values to the tools of a carpenter, a carpenter must not only possess such tools, but he must know how to use his tools, in order to be successful (Euthyd. 280b-d) I love the idea of values being tools. Tools exist to build, our values also help us to build the existences we wish for ourselves and those around us. This fundamental idea is simple but profound and powerful when analyzing values. Aristotle had some interesting views on what makes a person virtuous. Although criticized for being self-serving, I tend to agree with Aristotle’s outlook. He says, that the ultimate and complete end in a human’s life is happiness and all other activity is a means to achieve happiness...
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...Within that last few decades the society of the United States has transformed completely and will maintain the revolution of diversity. This will require society to develop an increasingly awareness of the challenge of each other’s differences. With the fact my Major is in Psychology with a Minor in Diversity Awareness. The intention of taking this class is one to fulfil a requirement for my degree but to also benefit myself and to better the people I am consistently around. I have always lived by the famous quote, by Gandhi “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Another reason for taking this course is supporting the fact that everyone is different. I am currently pursuing becoming a Special Education Teacher. Well, with that I am...
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...If I were to describe two different individuals and then ask what about them makes them diverse could anyone get it right? Lets test it for ourselves shall we? Lets say we have two friends Damon and Janice, fair warning these people will be important later on. Damon, is a strong and healthy young African American male, and Janice, is a disabled young white women. Some might argue that Janice is not diverse, because she is white and how can anyone who is white be diverse? The answer to that question is very simple, diversity is not limited to race. Let me explain my thoughts on that further. As defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, diverse means different from each other. So why do we limit diversity? You cannot tell me that most people do not limit it. Whenever the issue of diversity comes up most only think of race as what makes us diverse, but not anything else that can make someone diverse. Society should be better informed on what diversity really means in order to stop making it solely a race issue, and children should be taught in grade schools what it means...
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...the mentors themselves. However, I did not describe the significant effect Sabre Splash had on me personally. It truly reshaped my perspective in many areas, including leadership, scholarship, diversity, and citizenship. I have been fortunate to feel comfortable in leadership roles, but Sabre Splash deepened my understanding of what it means to lead. I learned that real leadership takes persistence and a shared purpose. After months of constant emailing and back-and-forth discussion with administration about the potential of Sabre Splash, I was exhausted and disheartened. However, driven by a powerful purpose, I persisted. My peers, who shared in the vision to be both role model and a supportive presence, also drove me. I came realize how important the people around me with a common passion were to my desire to press forward. They made the process so much more dynamic and enjoyable. was truly inspiring and energizing to see our actions emulated by the ninth grade students....
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...When I say I’m proud to be a Dinka, Bari, Nuer, Shilluk, Latuho, or Acholi, you call me a tribalist. When I ask which tribe you come from, you get offended and call me a tribalist. Does being proud of my cultural heritage makes me a tribalist? Does being proud of my tribe makes me less patriotic as a South Sudanese? I’m seeing signs with “South Sudan is my tribe” slogan. What a nicer way to shove it down my throat? My culture and cultural heritage are huge part of my identity. I was raised and taught to have a consistent respect for human life and nature. I’m not going to change who I am. The current conflict should not be blamed on tribes nor should we use it to taint our tribal identities. If we are proud of Sudd Sudan’s diverse ecosystem then why are we ashamed of our human and cultural diversity? Isn’t diversity a beautiful thing that we should all celebrate? South Sudan has abundant natural resources, but our human and cultural diversity are what make our country unique. Diversity is a beautiful thing and we should not be ashamed of it. In the United States, Native Americans celebrate Powwow each year. Natives dress in traditional regalia to sing, dance, and socialize. Powwow brings together many people from diverse indigenous nations to honor their cultural heritage. The event helps strengthen and promote solidarity toward a peaceful co-existence, not only between Native American tribes, but also in the whole world. My cultural identity defines who I am and how I am viewed...
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...Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization. That sounds simple, but diversity encompasses race, gender, ethnic group, age, personality, cognitive style, tenure, organizational function, education, background and more. So why should companies concern themselves with diversity? Is this just because discrimination is wrong, both legally and morally? Or is there more to it? A recent Harvard Business Review article asked this question to 24 CEOs from around the globe who ran companies and corporate divisions that had earned reputations for embracing people from all kinds of backgrounds. When we asked these executives why advancing diversity in their organizations was so important to them, the aggregate answer was twofold: They believed it was a business imperative because their companies needed it to stay competitive, and they believed it was a moral imperative because of their personal experiences and values. These CEOs spoke forcefully about diversity as an advantage. Paul Block of the U.S. sweetener manufacturer Merisant pointed out, “People with different lifestyles and different backgrounds challenge each other more. Diversity creates dissent, and you need that. Without it, you’re not going to get any deep inquiry or breakthroughs.” Or, as Jonathan Broomberg of the South African insurer Discovery Health put it, diversity is “a source of creativity and innovation.” A more diverse workforce, they say, will increase organizational...
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...Assignment Final Project Cultural Diversity Sabina Trumble April 8, 2012 Final Project Diversity in the United States is a work in progress and has been for over a century. There are many factors that are involved with diversity and some of them are race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, and sexual orientation. There are also factors that will stand in the way of achieving diversity in the United States and they are racism, prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes. Diversity can or cannot be found in numerous areas such as employment positions and promotions, wages and salaries, housing, and education. Diversity is usually over looked until it affects someone in a negative manner. Diversity has come a long way from how it used to be in the past. There once was a time when diversity did not exist. Different laws and regulations are in effect now that was not in the past such as the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. I have learned that human behavior will have an effect on how diversity plays out. Individuality does not mean inferior, but sometimes our identities that express our individuality will result in us to be looked down upon by certain individuals or organizations. The people and organizations who commit this type of act are knowingly and specifically deterring diversity. I have learned a few things about my own race, ethnic, and cultural history since I have been in this class of Cultural Diversity. One thing that I have learned since...
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...Reflection journal I learned many aspects about myself that I need to be improve on based on this exercise. The pie chart showed me that my self- concepts and need to change. After answering the diversity questionnaire, I learned to become more diverse in a diverse workforce. The first thought exercise taught me to stop making stereotypes about groups. The pie chart, diversity questionnaire, first thoughts, and masculine and feminine speaking styles taught myself what I need change. My pie chart consists of seven different group affiliations that are somewhat important in my self-concept. My biggest group was education at 40%. I choose education to be the most import because it is key to have in life if your. The more education I have, the better job I can get. Also with a higher level of education I can open up more opportunities because when I continue to increase my education less and less people are as highly educated as me. I personally like to have many opportunities to choose from for jobs. Then next highest group affiliation on my pie chart was work experience at 30%. I feel that having work experience is necessary before entering a job that requires a college education. Internships are a great way to build up work experience before entering a job. I feel that just because you get a college education does not mean you know how to do the job you want to do. By getting an internship in the field you want to work in, helps you understand some of the process the job...
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