The Strength that Lies in Our Differences

By Maria Santos, October 26, 2008

The Strength that Lies in Our Differences

Yes, we all have heard it…we need to increase diversity in the workplace. Perhaps an issue not discussed as much is “why”; why diversity is even important. Three reasons why are because diverse organizations can better serve its customers; diversity inspires creativity; and it prepares organizations for the future.

The Smithsonian Institution should be the ideal model of diversity. It is the world’s largest museum, a world re-known leader in museum studies and scientific research. Because its products and services are available to people around the world, and its museums are visited by people from across the globe, to best serve its customers, its workforce should mirror those it services. For instance, an organization can best serve its non-English speaking customers when it has employees who speak foreign languages; and it can best serve its disabled customers by being mindful of accessibility issues.

Diversity inspires creativity and promotes productivity. Ideas are more likely to flourish in an environment where individuals are encouraged to think outside the box, be innovative and evaluate issues from different viewpoints. Diversity allows individuals to go outside of their comfort zone, it teaches tolerance and motivates us to want to learn more of that which we do not know much about. Having a diverse workforce can enhance a museum’s research and exhibitions because these employees with diverse backgrounds, education, cultures, and life experiences can influence research topics and assist with the authenticity and integrity of the work being produced.

In an interconnected, jet-setting world, being indifferent towards diversity is no longer an option. Organizations that are forward-thinking embrace diversity; they are better equipped to recruit and retain a productive, diverse workforce, and are more efficient in incorporating these ideas, cultures, and lifestyles into organization-wide goals, policies and procedures. The U.S population and demographics are forever changing and the rest of the world looks to the U.S to see how it manages diversity in its schools, streets, public services, government, and the workplace. From Freedom of Religion, Citizenship Rights, Race no Bar to Vote, and Women’s suffrage Amendments, to Age Discrimination and Americans with Disabilities Acts, the U.S realizes that it must accept, legalize, and encourage diversity, for it is its diverse population that sets it apart from the rest. It is now necessary these strides be reflected in the workplace.

Character, good judgment, innovation, and leadership do not come in a specific color, gender, age, or physique. In the words of Maya Angelou, we all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.

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ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN "HR FOCUS", THE MONTHLY SMITHSONIAN HR NEWSLETTER, NOVEMBER EDITION