Primary Influences on Diversity

Diversity includes all characteristics and experiences that define each of us as individuals. We are all influenced by who we are and where we've been. So, diversity is the differences in each of us.

Not everyone thinks of diversity in the same way. Attitudes and opinions vary widely about diversity and how it functions in the workplace, in a community, and in the world. A common misunderstanding about diversity is that only certain persons or groups are included. In truth, each and every attribute of an individual is encompassed in diversity. Everyone has a unique perspective that is defined and shaped by many experiences and influences.

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Major influences, called primary influences, are considered to be at the center of who we are because they exert a significant impact on our early socialization and a powerful, sustained impact on our experiences, values, assumptions and expectations throughout every stage of life. Primary influences include race, ethnicity, age, gender, and physical or mental impairment.

Race. Race is based on biological and physical differences that are inherent, heritable, persistent, or predictive. According to most government documents, race can be divided into five categories- White, Black, Latin, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaskan Native, but as we are all aware, these are very broad groupings. The 2000 Census indicated as many as 63 categories.

Ethnicity. Ethnicity is the embodiment of values, customs, and patterns of behavior. It is a culturally-derived term that portrays a people's historical experience, aspirations, and worldview. Examples include Polish, Irish, Brazilian, etc. Unlike race, your ethnicity involves a degree of choice, process, and change. It can be consciously modified and reinforced to maintain the status quo at certain times and be transformed to embrace other social constructs at other times. Your race, on the other hand, is something you cannot control.

Stress can ultimately impact workplace performance and productivity. Identify factors that contribute to stress at work, what the consequences of stress are, and how to control and minimize the effects of stress.

Age. Age is the length of time that one has existed. Age brackets can be defined as such:

The Silent Generation refers to Americans born between 1920 and 1945. They are known to value formal and public recognition of their achievements and team participation.
The Baby Boomers, also known as the "Me Generation," are the children of the post-World War II period. As of 2000, this group represented 52 percent of the American workforce. They are known to have an independent, entrepreneurial spirit.
Generation X, those born between 1965 and 1979, make up approximately 26 percent of the workforce. This age group is known to be fiercely independent and self-directed, distrustful of social institutions, desire meaningfulness in work, and crave feedback and attention from their supervisors.
Generation Y are your youngest workers - those Americans born between the late 1970s and 1997. They are just entering the workforce, have highly diverse education and ethnic backgrounds, and are skilled in using technology. In addition, they tend to be optimistic (but skeptical) and they want immediate job challenges, despite their inexperience.

Gender. Gender is a person's sexual identity in relation to society, and it is usually reflected in the behavioral, cultural, or psychological traits associated with a person's sex.

Physical / Mental Impairment. Physical Impairment under the Americans with Disabilities Act is "any physiological disorder, condition, cosmetic disfigurement or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems - neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genito-urinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin and endocrine." Mental Impairment under the Americans with Disabilities Act is any "mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities."

Primary influences help shape who we are and how we perceive others. Diversity is about understanding these differences and acknowledging that our personal attitudes, beliefs, and expectations are uniquely our own. Focusing on diversity and looking for more ways to be truly inclusive is not just a nice idea, but a sensible step toward developing better relationships in all areas of life.