Connecting Ethics and Diversity Using Diversity Intelligence

Abstract

Connecting ethics and diversity using diversity intelligence (DQ) will allow human resource development (HRD) scholars and professionals to improve the success of diversity initiatives within organizations. The ethics of employees ultimately determine the implementation success of organizational policies. Employees must have the ethical wherewithal to promote and support diversity efforts in the workplace. Diversity intelligent decisions are sometimes both legal and ethical decisions. DQ can help leaders make ethical decisions. One unethical or illegal decision can be one too many for an organization. HRD scholars and professionals can help leaders build DQ and facilitate the integration of ethics and diversity through their education and training programs. The importance of management buy-in and the top ten challenges facing HRD professionals in the workplace are discussed. HRD professionals must focus on the root causes of diversity problems in the workplace and stop expecting the protected class members to be strong in the face of repeated discrimination at work. Eliminating these problems for all employees may allow all employees to reach their full potential. HRD scholars and professionals must help promote the development of an ethical culture in the workplace that values diversity.