Organizational diversity training programs

Abstract

Managing diversity is becoming increasingly important as the population and workforce become even more diverse and global. Diversity brings both opportunities as well as challenges due to the many types of biases embedded within diversity itself. Diversity training and related initiatives are intended to attack such biases and bring awareness to the destructive nature of bias that can only lead to poor decision-making, toxic relationships, and dysfunctional organizations and societies overall. Current developments in the area of diversity training are discussed focusing on effectiveness of diversity training, design, and settings. Challenges in realizing the full potential of diversity training include systemic and institutionalized bias that may unintentionally perpetuate discrimination, exclusion, and lost business opportunities.