Diversity in workgroup settings: a case study

Abstract

Changing demographics and increasing diversity in the workplace represent new challenges for people in organizations today. Differences generate conflict, and poor performance is often the result of this conflict when it is unacknowledged, misunderstood, or simply ignored. The behavioural effects of these diversity related issues and the consequences of not consciously processing the accompanying anxieties are often observable in small group settings. Presents a case study of a single workgroup in a large marketing organization which highlights the important dynamics of these diversity related conflicts. Investigates proposals concerning the intragroup and intergroup effects on attitudes and behaviours using data collected by a participant observer. Provides implications of avoiding these issues throughout the case analysis.

Citation

Church, A.H. (1995), "Diversity in workgroup settings: a case study", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 16 No. 6, pp. 3-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437739510092207