Org Behavior Discussion 1

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Framingham State College *

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MISC

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Management

Date

Jun 21, 2024

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docx

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3

Uploaded by EarlRoseZebra4

Week 1 Discussion: Overcoming Challenges in Diversity Management 1. **What specific challenges does Alex face as an underrepresented leader in a diversity management role? How do these challenges compare to those faced by leaders from more traditionally represented backgrounds? The challenges that Alex faces as an underrepresented leader in a diversity management role are skepticism, resistance, navigating stereotypes, building trust amongst his colleagues, and managing a balancing act. These challenges come about from leaders like Alex than those faced by leaders from more traditionally represented backgrounds because “ Executives from these groups   face special challenges because many people—either unconsciously or consciously—don’t associate leadership with someone who looks like them” ( Wharton IDEAS Lab). Which means as Alex navigates his role, he had to build trust with others. As although he does not look like them or come from the same background as them, he will have to navigate the preconceived stereotypes people unbiasedly or biasedly have for someone that can effectively lead in that role. 2. **How can organizations and senior leaders support underrepresented individuals in leadership roles related to diversity management? What policies or initiatives could be put in place to mitigate the challenges faced by leaders like Alex? One thing that organizations and senior leaders can do to support the underrepresented individuals in leadership roles is to create a mentorship program. For example, my partner’s organization has a mentorship program through their diversity, inclusion, and equity incentive. The goal of this is to meet each individual where they are at in their career and goals. The program has a minimum year commitment, but it fosters and implores individuals to stay in the program to continue their mentorship and also become a mentor as well. This program strives to give anyone a chance to learn other teams and organizations (to explore if they want to change roles) or set them up for promotion. Either way the program is set up to breakdown the stereotypes that employees have when looking at diversifying their teams which includes educational and work/life experiences others may bring to the table. 3. **What strategies can Alex employ to build trust and credibility within the organization, especially among those who are skeptical of his leadership in diversity and inclusion efforts? A few strategies that Alex can employ to build trust and credibility within his organization are to be authentic and transparent, support and empower others, respect and value differences and know his audience (LinkedIn). If Alex knows his audience, he can help foster that trust and credibility because he will know the cultural, social, and professional contexts of the organization. When he is also to show that he respects and appreciates their diversity then that can help foster rapport and avoid misunderstandings. Also, if Alex respects and values differences within the organization, then it would reflect to the organization and colleagues that he recognizes and appreciates the unique contributions, strengths, and perspectives everyone brings to the table. With support and empowerment to others, Alex would provide his colleagues with resources, guidance, and feedback they would need to succeed. With the open dialogue that Alex establishes that can create a more open understanding of each colleague and the strengths they bring to the organization, so it can be empowered and fostered for the betterment of the employee and the organization.
4. **What role does the company's culture play in either exacerbating or alleviating the challenges that underrepresented leaders like Alex may encounter in diversity management? The role that the company’s culture plays in either exacerbating or alleviating the challenges that underrepresented leaders like Alex may encounter in diversity management is either the success or the failure of the company. If the company’s culture plays an exacerbating challenge on the underrepresented leaders like Alex, then it would fail economically and culturally. However, if the culture alleviates the challenges then it would see success such as noted that Organizations that make significant expenditures of human and financial capital to foster a culture that embraces diversity gain an edge in talent acquisition, employee engagement and retention, innovation, and customer service. This edge helps to sustain excellence in performance, innovation, growth, and profitability” (AIChE). 5. In what ways can organizations ensure that leaders like Alex are not overburdened by their responsibilities in diversity management while still excelling in their core roles within the company? One way that an organization can ensure that leaders like Alex are not overburned by their responsibilities in the diversity management would be starting at the top of the organization. In the article, Creating a Culture of Diversity , it cites “ A successful safety culture starts at the top, and so does a successful diversity culture. A company’s commitment to diversity needs to come from the highest management levels, and should be made highly visible. The leadership should identify the need for a strong diversity culture, and foster cultural change to sustain an inclusive environment” (AIChE). Sources Creating a culture of diversity . AIChE. (2020, July 31). https://www.aiche.org/resources/publications/cep/2016/october/creating-culture-diversity How do you establish trust and credibility with diverse groups? . Six Tips to Establish Trust and Credibility with Diverse Groups. LinkedIn. (2023, August 24). https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-do-you-establish-trust-credibility-diverse Why is it still so difficult to cultivate diverse leaders? . Wharton IDEAS Lab. (2018, September 3). https://ideas.wharton.upenn.edu/research/cultivate-diverse-leadership/ Hi Yoldine,  I agree with your post for this discussion. I think that the culture needs to be established from the top down, and by the WeWork example, that can have a serious impact on the organization morally, ethically, and motivationally. No one wants to go to work every day and resent the
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