Abstract
Purpose - This paper seeks to assess the Australian approach to managing a culturally diverse workforce by examining the outcomes of this approach. Design/methodology/approach - The paper applies Syed and Özbilgin's relational, multilevel framework for managing diversity to study policies at three interrelated levels. At the macro-national level, the paper examines legal and public policy initiatives for managing cultural diversity. At the meso-organisational level, the paper discusses a variety of workplace diversity management approaches. This discussion encompasses the legal requirements for organisations to remove discrimination, and to create an equal employment opportunity workplace. A voluntary management approach known as "diversity management" is also outlined. At the micro-individual level, the paper examines unique employment-related issues faced by ethnic minority workers because of their ethnic, linguistic and religious identities. The multilevel perspectives are synthesised in a model labelled "the Australian model for managing cultural diversity". Findings - The legal framework in Australia places only limited obligations on organisations to manage cultural diversity. As a consequence, while a range of organisational responses have proliferated, an integrated approach towards managing culturally diverse workers is absent. The paper argues that, unless cultural diversity is tackled at multiple levels and in a more integrated way, any attempt to either understand or manage such diversity may prove unrealistic. Originality/value - The paper offers helpful advice to decision makers at the macro-national and meso-organisational policy levels vis-à-vis developing a realistic understanding of managing diversity through a multilevel framework.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 96-115 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Personnel Review |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2010 |
Keywords
- Australia
- Equal opportunities
- Migrant workers