Answer Happy

SECTION A Read the extract below and answer ALL the following questions: The benefits of diversity in the workplace Diversity in the workplace means that a company has employees that vary by many different characteristics. Most often when people refer to workplace diversity, they're referring to a workplace that's balanced by race and gender. But diversity in the workplace can exist across many different variables, including age, religion, cultural background, and language, physical. A truly diverse workplace features a distribution of people that reflects greater society. This indicates that the company doesn't present any barriers to entry for individuals of any particular background. For example, a diverse company should have a relatively equal gender balance at both the staff and leadership level. Any worthwhile definition of workplace diversity also includes the notion of inclusion. Whereas diversity is more of an objective measure of how different employees are from one another, inclusion is about whether employees truly feel like they are accepted, their voices matter, and that they belong. So it's not enough just to be diverse. A company must also be inclusive. What makes diversity and inclusion so important? Many companies recognise the value of diversity in the workplace. There are eleven compelling reasons that explain why companies are making workplace diversity a priority. [100 Marks] Diverse organisations are more innovative and creative Workplace diversity sparks innovation and creativity. Diverse organisations solve problems faster - Because diverse companies are more innovative and creative, they also solve problems faster. Diverse organisations make better decisions and are more adaptable - Not only do diverse teams make decisions quicker. they also make better decisions. Diverse teams are more productive and perform better - While working within a homogeneous team of similar people may seem easier on the surface, there's a wealth of research that shows that diverse teams are actually more productive. Diverse companies are seen as better employers - Working at an inclusive organisation is a growing priority for job seekers. Diverse companies have higher employee engagement - Employee engagement is a major goal of most HR teams. Diverse workforces see reduced turnover - It's simple: diversity and inclusion lead to engagement, and engaged employees stay longer. Diverse companies can better serve their diverse customer base - A team with a variety of backgrounds is more likely to understand or uncover the challenges that their diverse customers may have. Diverse companies have better reputations - Companies that make diversity and inclusion as part of their mission are seen as desirable, socially responsible organisations-leading to a better reputation with customers and investors. Diverse workforces and leadership teams earn more profit - All of the above factors lead to more profitable businesses. Diverse companies make the world a better place - Simply put, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion sets an example for the world to follow. It's not just good for business; it's the right thing to do. Having a truly inclusive workplace is not possible unless a diversity and inclusion program is implemented with buy-in from top-to-bottom in the organisation. Some quick tips on how to do this is to create inclusive company policies, celebrate individual differences, proactively hire for diversity, audit job posts for inclusive language and finally, hire objectively without bias.
QUESTION 4 (25 Marks) Diversity is integral to Total Quality Management (TQM) as it is provides for a range of views which are important for effective teamwork and continuous improvement. As the general manager of Azania Business College (a private education institution with a diverse workforce and students), discuss practices that you will recommend for your organisation to undertake, in order to ensure that the TQM principles of customer focus, continuous improvement and team work are met. END OF PAPER