Understanding Diversity in Professional Practices & Implications

This assignment delves into the concept of diversity within professional practices, particularly in the context of drug and alcohol services. It draws upon a module presentation, academic articles, and online videos to explore the multifaceted nature of diversity, its potential benefits and challenges, and strategies for effective diversity management. The assignment examines the relationship between identity and diversity, highlighting how social identity, race, ethnicity, gender, and ability contribute to diversity. It also addresses the issue of inequality and social discrimination caused by diversity, referencing Richard Wilkinson's work on the social hierarchy and economic democracy. The student reflects on how to implement strategies to avoid inequality and promote inclusivity within their professional setting, aiming to foster a work culture that embraces all individuals regardless of their background.

Running Head: DIVERSITY IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
Diversity in Professional Practices
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1DIVERSITY IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
Module 5 power-point
As a counselor working in the drug and alcohol service, I have gathered knowledge from
the power point presentation of module 5 regarding what is diversity, how are we engaging with
it and how are we managing it. The presentation well defines diversity at different levels of
community, society, cultural and professional context. It says that diversity is an ambiguous
term which is often enlightening. It refers to the amalgamation of the similarities as well as the
differences of many variables (Villesèche, Muhr & Holck, 2018). Regarding multiculturalism, I
have understood that it resides in the bicultural context and history of a particular country. In my
own professional practices in the drug and alcohol services I can encourage diversity because it
is the best possible way to develop the ultimate productivity of the organization. However, I have
also learnt that diversity may often lead to frustration and poor organisational culture. This
should be avoided by the management by the help of suitable diversity management strategies.
Readings: Identity, Diversity and Diversity Management: On Theoretical Connections,
Assumptions and Implications for Practice
The authors in this article have talked about the identity issues an aspects of diversity
management, the theoretical connections, assumptions and implications for practices. The article
demonstrates the concept of identity that influences the diversity in specific ways. The article
further throws light on how diversity can be analyzed and proper actions can be taken (Holck,
Muhr & Villesèche,2016). Another side that the article puts forward is the advantages and
limitations of diversity perspectives. The relevance of the article’s practical implications has
enabled me to question the diversity management practices of my own organization. However,
the article is limited within a boundary of superficial descriptions. After going through the entire

2DIVERSITY IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
article, I have understood that social identity is important for individuals. The sense of identity
grows a personal idea of the self. It highly determines the way that person will engage with
others coherently. I have further understood that race/ethnicity, gender, performance and ability
also create diversity which needs to be taken care of strategically.
Online Activity
In the video of Richard Wilkinson titled as ‘Inequality is unsustainable’ the speaker who
is also the writer of the book ‘The Spirit Level’ has talked about the inequality, poverty and
social discrimination caused by diversity. He speaks about the most radical solutions to the
diversity issues (Wilkinson, 2017). He views poverty and inequality as an outcome or effect of
the social hierarchy. We usually judge people substantially based on their income. The priority is
given to that person who is financially, socially and culturally superior. He considers economic
democracy which is the most important factor for human emancipation. From the lecture of Sir
Richard Wilkinson, I have understood that within a work culture and also every aspects of the
society, people must inspire each other to embrace all casts, race, gender and culture. A better
society can be built only then. I have decided to implement all his suggestions in the drug and
alcohol service to avoid inequality and poverty related diversity among the members.

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Reference
Holck, L., Muhr, S. L., & Villesèche, F. (2016). Identity, diversity and diversity management:
On theoretical connections, assumptions and implications for practice. Equality,
Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, 35(1), 48-64.
Villesèche, F., Muhr, S. L., & Holck, L. (2018). Diversity and Identity in the Workplace:
Connections and Perspectives. Springer.
Wilkinson, R., (2017). Inequality is unsustainable Retrieved from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYt08ZZm_Ao [Accessed on: 26-10-2018]