Chapter 2: Diversity in Organizations

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Objective and easily obtained personal characteristics.Age◦ Older workers bring experience, judgment, a

strong work ethic, and commitment to quality.

◦ Lack flexibility and resistant to change

“relationship with dependant variables- turnover, absenteeism, productivity, job satisfaction and OCB”

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Gender◦ Few differences between men and women that

affect job performance.◦ No significant difference

Race (the biological heritage used to identify oneself)◦ Contentious issue: differences exist, but could be

more culture-based than race-based.

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Tenure◦ People with job tenure (seniority at a job) are more productive absent less frequently have lower turnover more satisfied

Religion◦Islam is especially problematic in the workplace in this post-9/11 world.

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An individual’s capacity to perform the various tasks in a job. Made up of two sets of factors:

1. Intellectual Abilities The abilities needed to perform mental

activities. General Mental Ability (GMA) is a measure of

overall intelligence. Wonderlic Personnel Test: a quick measure of

intelligence for recruitment screening. No correlation between intelligence and job

satisfaction.

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Number Aptitude Verbal Comprehension Perceptual Speed Inductive Reasoning Deductive Reasoning Spatial Visualization Memory

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2. Physical AbilitiesThe capacity to do tasks demanding

stamina, dexterity, strength similar characteristics.

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Strength Factors◦ Dynamic strength◦ Trunk strength◦ Static strength◦ Explosive strength

Flexibility Factors◦ Extent flexibility◦ Dynamic flexibility

Other Factors◦ Body coordination◦ Balance◦ Stamina

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