Many companies, writers and organizations use the term “diversity” to describe this vision of a multi-cultural workplace. While “multicultural workforce” is still sometimes used in reference to employees of varying social, racial, and ability characteristics, the scope of diversity goes further and includes not only the personal characteristics of an organization’s employees but also the way an organization becomes more inclusive in its response a multicultural workforce (Advameg, 2007). Many work places today offer various forms of diversity sensitivity training. More training on diversity is good, but this has not proven to be the solution to improving management sensitivities to the unique needs and skill sets of their workers. Human activities in the labor force, social organizations, athletic teams, etc. demonstrate how distinct individuals contribute to a unity of purpose or activity, offering a faint reflection of the glory of God in his Trinitarian existence (Grudem, 1994). Since in the Trinity there is this aspect of God in community with Himself, this affirms the significance of community to humans and highlighting the value of relationships, communication, love, empathy, and understanding (John 17:20-23). The Holy Spirit also fosters the diversity of gifts, building a body that is diverse in talent and gifts, but united under the purposes and headship of Jesus Christ contributing to the common good (1 Cor. 12:7, 11, 20-21). Please consider some of the author’s points and the scriptures highlighted below, and respond to these thoughts with your own argument for or against their positions in your initial discussion post:
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- Treat people with dignity and respect. (Rae & Wong, 2004, p.283-294). “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight” (Romans 12:16).
- Understand and integrate varied cultures and worldviews within business practices. It is in Christ that all things are held together (Colossians 1:15-17).
- Being respectful of cultures and customs within the organization and community. Yet we seek not to erase diversity but to break down individual barriers. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
- Christians within the Body of Christ are called to love God and love their neighbors as themselves in humility (Mt. 22:34-40).
- “Work is a healing process,” in the sense that business has the responsibility of participating in the society’s efforts to overcome the consequences of past injustices (Chewning, 1990, p. 73).
Bibliography:
Advameg, Inc. (2007). Encyclopedia of Business, 2nd Edition. Retrieved April 20, 2008, from http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/encyclopedia/index.html.
Chewning, R. C., Eby, J. W., & Roels, S. J. (1990). Business Through the Eyes of Faith. San Francisco: Harper & Row.
Grudem, W. A. (1994). Systematic theology: an introduction to biblical doctrine. Leicester, England: InterVarsity Press
Rae, S.B. and Wong, K.L. (2004) Beyond Integrity, 2nd edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
