Diversity

Diversity has many definitions. Since there is no boundary in defining diversity, we can assume that diversity is anything that varies from person to person. According to Moran, Harris & Moran, diversity can encompass, “race, gender, age, physical ability, physical appearance, nationality, cultural heritage, personal background, functional experience, position in the organization, mental and physical challenges, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, military experience, educational background, style differences, economic status, thinking patterns, political backgrounds, city/state/region or residence, IQ level, smoking preference, weight, marital status, nontraditional job, religion, white collar, language, blue collar, and height” (As cited in Moran, Harris & Moran, 2011, p . 157) (PSU, 2017).

Diversity has allowed for a wide range of people to interact and learn from each other. Since no one person is a like, we are constantly learning from our environments and the diversity that surrounds us. One of the most diverse organizations I’ve encountered in the military. Every year thousands of men and women from all over the U.S. and U.S. territories join the military. Additionally, citizens from the Philippines, Latin America, and other countries join the U.S. Military as well. Before other cultures were accepted in the military women were banned from serving in the military in positions other than nurses. In 1917, Loretta Walsh became the first woman allowed to serve in the United States armed forces during WWI, which marked the first time that the military introduced diversity in regards to gender among the workforce. (Parker, 2011).

This unification of people from all over the world is what makes the military as a whole a very diverse organization. In addition to the military accepting a variety of cultures, in recent years, the military has repealed their policy on the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy, opening the doors for gay and lesbian service members, thus creating an increasingly diverse force. Even more recently, the military has lifted the ban on transgender service members, allowing for their rights to serve and their gender identity. Even though, these changes come after the discharges of some it’s military members, it’s a step in the right direction as our society and world continues to change. Diversification takes a great deal of acceptance and tolerance from others, as some people may have had limited exposure to people from the list of differences, therefore remaining open to others is very important in achieving our diversity.

Research has demonstrated that as a length of time increases when diverse group members work together, the negative effects of surface-level diversity (i.e., age, sex, and ethnicity) decrease. In other words as you get to know your teammates, you relate to them more as they are, and less as they might appear to be as stereotypes” (Moran, Abramson, & Moran, 2014, p. 177).

Regardless of how big or small the step is towards change, it’s important to the personal and professional development of individuals to make them happen. The creation of a more diverse military in all facets of diversity has been a continued positive leap forward into a more diverse society and country and has allowed others to stand next to each other in harm’s way as equals protecting each other and our nation.

References

Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences   (9th ed.). Oxford: Routledge

Parker, K. (2011). Sailors Honor Life and Legacy of First Female CPO. Navy Times. Retrieved from http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=59573

PSU (2017). OLEAD 410. Lesson 03. Diversity. Defining Diversity. Retrieved from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1847401/modules/items/22619395