Human diversity offers innovation and opportunity but to get there, everyone has to understand what you mean when you use the term. Common language promotes common understanding. Common understanding allows people to set and work toward common goals.

Broad, Narrow, None.

Some people prefer what’s called the “narrow definition of diversity”. The narrow definition limits the discussion to race, ethnicity and nationality. Others use a “broad definition of diversity” which includes the many ways we identify ourselves that are important and meaningful. Still others say they prefer to subsume diversity under other areas to avoid strong reactions in the workplace. No matter – feelings run quite high in support of, and in opposition to, each of these approaches!

Defining Diversity

Conversations about the meaning of diversity are important for every organization. Ask questions. Invite ideas and input.  Then set succinct working definitions for your enterprise.

Diversity means variety, according to the dictionary. When talking about people, diversity is the variety of attributes, backgrounds, cultures, identities and ideas that people bring with them – to the workplace and everywhere else.

This definition has been used successfully over time in companies and communities to engage the broadest cross-section of people in positive cultural change.

Variety includes all the ways people are similar and all the ways we are different. It also includes the differences among differences.  Differences related to some social groups can impact access, opportunity and experience for people in those groups. In other words, not all differences are created equal.

Definitions of diversity – broad, narrow and none – may be hotly debated, but certain things are clear. When everyone in your workplace is feels included in the business of your enterprise, then everyone shares responsibility for action and reward for results. Big results happen when you put differences to use in achieving common goals.

Did you know?  Defining diversity has long been a “best business practice” and, BTW, companies with good diversity practices outperform their counterparts by as much as 23%.