Managing Workforce Diversity

Abstract

As hospitality firms become increasingly characterized by diversity with respect to their workforce, attracting, retaining, and using diverse people effectively have become a priority. Diversity management is considered vital to ensuring success in today's unpredictable hospitality markets. To suggest strategies for management of diversity, the current study explores the definitions used in dealing with diversity, clarifies diversity-related concepts, and discusses the benefits of effective diversity management. It is contended that hospitality firms that want fresh ideas, strong growth, a positive firm image, and an enhanced ability to hire qualified workers should be proactive with regard to workforce diversity. This study also suggests effective diversity management strategies, including the use of diversity management paradigms and development of a learning organization. Finally, the challenges hospitality firms are facing are discussed.