 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||
 |
Structure of this Website Lecture 8 : Dilemmas of gender and diversity The learning objective is for leaders to develop an appreciation of the impact of diversity (or lack of it) on the effectiveness of organisations. Diversity has become shorthand for classifications of individuals by such features as gender, ethnicity, class, age, physical or mental characteristics. In organisations, diversity may be associated with groups treated unfairly and rejected (perhaps modified by pressures of ‘political correctness’). Such a mapping implies a desired kind of member of an in-group, and others who make out-groups. (What’s different is dangerous). The Lecture emphasises the dimension of gender, although the material can largely by applied to a treatment of other kinds of diversity (ethnicity, class, age etc). Stereotypical thinking reduces scope for recognising other cues indicating social worth, and helps explain ‘glass ceilings’ barring advancement. The evidence is that diversity is potentially an asset for group effectiveness. Yet diverse groups pose tough leadership challenges calling for openness and non-stereotyped thinking and acting. Reflection on dilemmas of diversity helps a leader overcome rigid (stereotyped) beliefs and will suggest More innovative, and richer leadership strategies and actions. Box 8.1 challenges readers to deal with a highly divers group, and t apply possibilities suggested by maps covered in previous Lectures. |  |
||||
|
||||||