Awareness of diversity in the workplace is on the rise, but so is a backlash to some of the issues that it raises. Ways to prevent backlash include getting management support, involving employees in training design, using an inclusive definition of diversity, acknowledging resistance, valuing sameness, and affirming the value of individual views.…

Diversity implies differences in people based on their identifications with various groups and is also a process of acknowledging differences through action. Those organizations that have welcomed diversity are more productive and have a competitive advantage. Diversity training can be awareness based (cognitive) or skill based (behavioral). (JOW)

The challenge at Pacific Gas & Electric was to train 27,000 employees to create an environment in which cultural diversity improves the company's competitive advantage. The solution was to train and certify 110 employees as diversity awareness trainers. (JOW)

"Anna and the Kaleidoscope" (Ingram) notes that work force diversity can apply to differences in aptitudes, outlooks, backgrounds, and learning styles as well as race, gender, and physical ability. "Managing Diversity in the Classroom" (Steffey) presents tips for uncovering the abilities of diverse participants and incorporating them into the…

It is critical that managers and supervisors promote new attitudes and behavior. A second stage of diversity training should focus on the application of diversity ideas and the development of an environment that is conducive to conflict resolution. (JOW)