Ch. 3: Diversity Efforts and Equal Opportunity

Concept and brief description:

I read an article having to do with diversity issues in workforces in San Antonio, Texas. The article explained how San Antonio is a very large city with a very diverse workforce. It is a multicultural state which brings benefits and challenges. This article explains what a company needs, or can, do to embrace diversity and elicit any foreseen problems pertaining to equal opportunity.


Emotional hook (provocative question/ claim/real-life problem):

I spent 18 months in Texas and loved the diversity. I lived in the Houston area and was for the most part the minority. Having grown up in Utah and lived in Utah most of my life I had never experienced being the minority. It really helped me to see the strengths and excitement of diversity. Different races and ethnicity bring new insights and life experiences. We should embrace diversity and welcome change that can further strengthen our country and lives.

Key points to elicit in discussion:

This article gave an example of a company that was embracing diversity to the fullest extent. CPS Energy formed a committee that was specifically designed to implement diversity programs. These programs would teach employees about diversity and how it can better the company. In addition, they had a calendar that recognized cultural events. CPS Energy took the approach of celebrating differences as well as the skills and functions of various areas of organizations. This article demonstrates how a company can embrace diversity and abide by equal opportunity laws in the workplace. It just takes a little bit of effort and the right attitude.

Facilitative questions:

How can diversity strengthen a company?
What can a company do to embrace diversity and help their employees do the same?