Chapter Objectives

The workforce in the United States is more diverse than it has ever been, reflecting the entry of women into the workforce, immigration from other countries, the aging of the population, and shifting patterns of work and retirement. Equal opportunity laws and changing societal expectations have challenged corporations to manage workforce diversity effectively. Full workplace parity for women and persons of color has not yet been reached. However, businesses have made great strides in reforming policies and practices in order to draw on the skills and contributions of their increasingly varied employees.

This chapter focuses on these key questions and objectives:

2 Where do women and persons of color work, and what are they paid? What roles do they play as managers and business owners?

3 What role does the government play in securing equal employment opportunity for historically disadvantaged groups? Is affirmative action an effective strategy for promoting equal opportunity, or not?

4 In what ways does diversity confer a competitive advantage?

5 How can companies best manage workforce diversity, making the workplace welcoming, fair, and accommodating to all employees?

6 What policies and practices are most effective in helping today's employees manage the complex, multiple demands of work and family obligations?