Summary

Women and minority groups are expected to make up a huge proportion of the new entrants into workforces in growing economies over the next few years. Organisations that respect and welcome diversity will tend to attract staff from these backgrounds some of whom will have the potential to ignite innovation and to attract a whole new range of customers. Accordingly the business case for diversity in the workplace is usually driven by at least one of the following factors:

• A desire to increase revenues/profits

• The need to reduce the risk of litigation

• A desire to attract new staff

• In accordance with the philosophy of the organisation.

The creation of an inclusive culture within organisations provides a wider range of employees with the opportunity to reach their full potential. The development of an inclusive organisation requires the commitment to create cultures in which relationships are based upon honesty, trust, and mutual support. Diversity training is often required to develop the ability of employees to work as a unit, and to remove any barriers affecting morale and productivity. Affinity groups are used for training and development purposes and have formed a key component of workplace diversity initiatives. Affinity groups can be beneficial for; creating inclusive cultures, recruiting new employees; gaining fresh input into organisational policies; multicultural marketing activities; and developing mentorship systems.