Thinking about Diversity-Related Conflict: Respect, Recognition and Learning

In the workplace, the keys to making diversity work lie in relationship and learning from difference. Diversity practitioners realize that we each interpret the world through the lens of our own diversity and experience. Diversity of thought and experience lie at the heart of the value proposition of diversity ─ and also pose one of the greatest challenges. The greater the diversity of the workforce, the greater the potential for misunderstanding and conflict. This working paper, written from a practitioner’s perspective, considers underlying issues in diversity-related conflict and misunderstanding to explore how dynamics of 1) respect and disrespect, 2) identity and recognition, and 3) resentment and backlash interfere with relationship and learning. A colleague of mine who specializes in organizational change likes to ask the question: “Why can’t we just announce change and make it happen? ” A similar question can be posed for workplace diversity: “Why can’t we just promote a diverse workplace and have people get along? We know that greater diversity in the workplace increases the risk of misunderstanding and conflict. Even without malicious intent, conflict can arise in situations where an action carries different meanings when interpreted throug