Background

Typically, training is part of a diversity initiative. Diversity awareness training is used to enhance employees' understanding of and sensitivity to cultural and other differences. By building awareness and understanding, training provides a foundation for behavior change.

Diversity training also provides a structured environment for discussing controversial topics like bias and discrimination. It is very important to note that diversity training will not solve all of your diversity challenges, for example, with recruiting and retention. It also will not remove organizational barriers, for example, in succession planning and promotion systems.

Diversity training also is used to improve the performance of organizations where employees from different cultural backgrounds are required to work together. By addressing cultural differences, intercultural conflict is decreased and thus, productivity is increased. Research has shown increases in innovation among heterogeneous groups, when the diversity is managed.

Diversity training focused on the US will include the difference between equal employment opportunity (EEO) requirements, affirmative action, and diversity as well as sections on sexual harassment and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Diversity skill-building training focuses on providing employees with specific behavioral tools to improve their interactions in the workplace with people who are different from them. For example, the training might focus on how to provide performance evaluation and coaching of people from different ethnic backgrounds. It also can address teambuilding and conflict resolution.

This toolkit is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace legal, compliance, or other professional advice. TWP assumes no liability for the use of this toolkit.
Web-based Leaders' Toolkit, © Copyright, 2002. Technology Workforce Partners. All Rights Reserved. Technology Workforce Partners was a consortium of high technology companies that worked collaboratively on diversity issues in the workplace from 1995-2005.