SEMESTER 1
ASSIGNMENT 01: COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENT
Closing date: 28 February 2023
Total: 30 marks
Unique number: 734213
, QUESTION 1
Describe the concept “diversity” as a multidimensional concept by focusing on its
different dimensions. Conclude your discussion by indicating how diversity may affect
work performance (technical aspects) in the organisation. (10)
- The definition of diversity refers to a group of people having a variety of different traits.
Among other things, these traits could include age, race, gender, physical and mental
capabilities, sexual orientation, ethnic or cultural background, language, and religion.
- These traits could also include everything that makes us distinctive, such as our cognitive
abilities and personality traits. Diversity, according to Thomas 2001 (in Cilliers & May
2012), includes both differences and similarities rather than being synonymous with
them. Diversity is divided into primary and secondary dimensions as a multidimensional
concept.
Primary dimensions
- Age, gender, race, ethnicity, physical characteristics or traits, and sexual orientation are
examples of core individual attributes that Cilliers & May (2012) define as primary
dimensions. People use these to define their own identities and as lenses through which to
view and interact with the outside world.
- Because of how they affect the members of any organization or group, fundamental
aspects of diversity are also compelling.
Secondary dimensions
- Secondary dimensions can be altered, in contrast to primary dimensions. Physical or
mental ability, communication style, education, social connections, marital or parental
status, religious convictions, career, work history, and income are a few of these.
- According to Cilliers & May (2012), secondary dimensions make people's self-images
more complex. From this point forward, it should be noted that the interaction between
the primary and secondary dimensions affects a person's values, priorities, and
perceptions.
- The underlying premise is that for diverse employees to work effectively together, the
differences must be acknowledged and valued.
Diversity improves many facets of an organization's performance. It can aid in the
development of the company and the recruitment of talented individuals.
ASSIGNMENT 01: COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENT
Closing date: 28 February 2023
Total: 30 marks
Unique number: 734213
, QUESTION 1
Describe the concept “diversity” as a multidimensional concept by focusing on its
different dimensions. Conclude your discussion by indicating how diversity may affect
work performance (technical aspects) in the organisation. (10)
- The definition of diversity refers to a group of people having a variety of different traits.
Among other things, these traits could include age, race, gender, physical and mental
capabilities, sexual orientation, ethnic or cultural background, language, and religion.
- These traits could also include everything that makes us distinctive, such as our cognitive
abilities and personality traits. Diversity, according to Thomas 2001 (in Cilliers & May
2012), includes both differences and similarities rather than being synonymous with
them. Diversity is divided into primary and secondary dimensions as a multidimensional
concept.
Primary dimensions
- Age, gender, race, ethnicity, physical characteristics or traits, and sexual orientation are
examples of core individual attributes that Cilliers & May (2012) define as primary
dimensions. People use these to define their own identities and as lenses through which to
view and interact with the outside world.
- Because of how they affect the members of any organization or group, fundamental
aspects of diversity are also compelling.
Secondary dimensions
- Secondary dimensions can be altered, in contrast to primary dimensions. Physical or
mental ability, communication style, education, social connections, marital or parental
status, religious convictions, career, work history, and income are a few of these.
- According to Cilliers & May (2012), secondary dimensions make people's self-images
more complex. From this point forward, it should be noted that the interaction between
the primary and secondary dimensions affects a person's values, priorities, and
perceptions.
- The underlying premise is that for diverse employees to work effectively together, the
differences must be acknowledged and valued.
Diversity improves many facets of an organization's performance. It can aid in the
development of the company and the recruitment of talented individuals.
