Diversity seeks to free human beings so they can bring more of themselves to the work of the organization. Diversity is not about teaching personal values, but establishing norms and structures for an organizational code of conduct. It is about teaching the people skills that have become enormously important in enabling organizations to be dynamic, responsive, and successful. We never say that IBM is using thought control when it talks about its sales force having a customer focus, or that Ford is using mind control when it tells people it wants Quality to be Job One. Organizations have a right and a responsibility to educate their people in a manner that will lead to greater success for the organization and for each individual in the organization.
Diversity creates an environment where people have to watch their every word and action.
Again, the misconception that diverse organizations are ones in which people dare not speak freely or operate independently could not be more mistaken. It directly contradicts the main thesis of diversity and inclusion, which is that the organization benefits greatly from allowing people to be who they are, and from encouraging the expression of different viewpoints. In doing this, the organization endorses behaviors that create the necessary supporting environment. It discourages only those behaviors that subvert that effort behaviors that belittle or disrespect fellow members of the organization and prevent them from doing their best work and adding value. This is the reason why education and a comprehensive culture change initiative is important.