Skilled Migrant Professionals October 2014 | Page 37

Diversity Stating the business case for embracing diversity Fadzi Whande, Diversity consultant CommunityWest Workplace diversity is so important in today’s global context that more organisations are adopting strategies to accommodate implementation. You will find various publications and articles highlighting the business case for diversity. Some people tend to regard diversity as being only about race, ethnicity, gender, language or religion yet it’s so much broader than this. So, what is diversity? Queensborough College, USA defines it as: The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. Australia has third highest proportion of overseas-born residents According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics, (ABS) at the end of 2011, Australia had one of the highest proportions of overseas-born residents (27%); third highest behind Singapore (41%); and Hong Kong (39%). The USA and UK clocked up 14% and 10% respectively. While the government can invest years of effort to pass legislation to overturn a discriminatory law or expand rights and legal protection to disfranchised groups, the crucial shifting of public attitudes and societal norms that bring about true equality can stretch out over generations. Meanwhile, in the corporate realm - where the bottom line is paramount- there is often a greater motivation to cut to the chase. You would think the business case for diversity would be simple, after all it makes sense that profitable organisations are the ones that are inclusive and