Diversity Management

This entry provides an overview of diversity management, which, in the context of organizations, consists in the strategic process of harnessing the potential of all employees to create an inclusive environment and, at the same time, contribute to meeting organizational goals. The entry first describes the complex construct of diversity that has been variously conceptualized in the literature, embracing multiple social and informational diversity dimensions such as gender, age, culture, values, and work-style. This is followed by illustrations of the historical development of diversity-management discourse and practice, and possible overarching approaches guiding organizations. The entry goes on to elucidate elements linked to the implementation of diversity management: positive and negative outcomes, widespread practices including communication, and contingency factors shaping the understanding and approach in organizations. In conclusion, four current lines of research—critical, holistic, global, and communication-centered perspectives—and future research endeavors are pointed out.