Social Divisions, Intergroup Conflict and Diversity. Reflections about Social Conflict and Diversity: the Case of Israeli Organizations

Abstract

Julia Kristeva’s query with regard to the capacity of individuals in today’s society to confront and deal with social divisions and diversities appears as actual and relevant as ever. Indeed, the 21st century has evinced a marked transition in terms of a growing diversification of the workforce and organizational membership owing to globalization and immigration trends (Coleman Selden and Selden 2001). Understanding the ramifications of social schisms on diversity-related dynamics and performance in organizations has become vital in the current era, characterized by mounting socio-political, cultural and economic complexities, competition and concomitant growing interdependencies among individuals, groups and organizations, hence the need for collaboration.