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Ethnic diversity is globally increasing. Organizations need to improve awareness and provide effective practices to integrate a diverse workforce. Studies have shown that simply increasing numbers is not sufficient; to be successful, there needs to be commitment to inclusion and a supportive atmosphere.
Diversity has many positive benefits for organizations: it is important to reflect the needs and demands of their customers. Effective integration strategies provide increased job satisfaction for under-represented employees and thus increase commitment to the company and reduce employee turnover rates. They can reduce biased and stereotypical thinking within the company; increase productivity, successful problem-solving, and creativity; and can generate more effective marketing and innovation.
One way in which organizations can provide support to under-represented employees is via employee resource groups (ERGs). These are groups of people with a shared identity based on race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. Such groups, often run by volunteers, provide support, networking, mentoring, and engagement, and they aim to increase the community voice, visibility, and awareness, as well as professional development for members. Increasing support often helps reduce employee dissatisfaction and absenteeism, discrimination, and even litigation within organizations.
Communities of Practice
A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of individuals with a shared interest working together towards a common goal. There are three key areas to CoPs: domain, community, and practices.
Domain: A group of individuals with a shared interest and objectives becomes a distinct unit; a domain.
Community: Sustained and substantial engagement to the domain and commitment to achieving common goals develops the domain into a community.
Practices: The community develops a shared...