Leading through Diversity
Document Type
Book Chapter
Publication Date
2021
Abstract
At the crux of diversity is differences. Dimensions that differentiate groups and people are said to be either visible or invisible and may come in the form of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, social and marital status, disability, religion, political beliefs, and cultural background. In the workplace, issues that enhance diversity include age, cultural differences, and gender issues. The body of literature points to diversity as a double-edged sword—offering potential costs and benefits to an organization. When managed effectively, diversity can enhance creativity and performance, foster richer teamwork and collaboration, and promote better problem-solving strategies. On the other hand, it can lead to miscommunication, conflict, equal employment disparities, discrimination, stereotyping, decreased group cohesiveness, and higher employee turnover. With the reality of diversity in organizations, what can leaders do to harness the benefits of diversity and mitigate its adverse consequences? Let’s begin with differences across generations.
Recommended Citation
Ilac, E.D., & Mactal, M. (2021). Leading through diversity. In M. Teng-Calleja, M.R. Hechanova, E.P. Franco, & E.D. Ilac (Eds.), Filipino Leadership: Stories and Science (pp. 42-49). Ateneo de Manila University Press.
