Skilled Migrant Professionals October 2014 | Page 37
Diversity
Stating the business
case for embracing
diversity
Fadzi Whande,
Diversity
consultant
CommunityWest
Workplace diversity is so important in today’s global context that more organisations are adopting strategies to accommodate implementation. You will find
various publications and articles highlighting the business
case for diversity. Some people tend to regard diversity as
being only about race, ethnicity, gender, language or religion
yet it’s so much broader than this.
So, what is diversity?
Queensborough College, USA defines it as:
The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It
means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions
of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status,
age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive,
and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and
moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the
rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.
Australia has third highest proportion of overseas-born residents
According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics, (ABS) at the end of
2011, Australia had one of the highest proportions of overseas-born
residents (27%); third highest behind Singapore (41%); and Hong Kong
(39%). The USA and UK clocked up 14% and 10% respectively.
While the government can invest years of effort to pass legislation to
overturn a discriminatory law or expand rights and legal protection to
disfranchised groups, the crucial shifting of public attitudes and societal
norms that bring about true equality can stretch out over generations.
Meanwhile, in the corporate realm - where the bottom line is paramount- there is often a greater motivation to cut to the chase.
You would think the business case for diversity would be simple, after
all it makes sense that profitable organisations are the ones that are inclusive and