Achieving Cultural Diversity in America

2366 Words10 Pages
Running head: Achieving true Cultural Diversity in Corporate America Achieving True Cultural Diversity in Corporate America Freddie Hogan Jr. Kaplan University CM-225-11 Abstract Cultural diversity has impacted the top tier of corporate America particularly when it comes to being competitive in the global market and contributing to the growth and prosperity of its shareholders or employees; however, true cultural diversity as it pertains to a level playing field for women and ethnic minorities lacks adequate representation at the corporate level. The History of Cultural Diversity in American Society When discussing cultural diversity in corporate America, immigration is often at the forefront of discussion due to its effects on history, culture and the basic fabric of the American way of life. Renowned historian Oscar Handlin said, “The history of the United States is in fundamental respects the history of immigration.” (Oscar Handlin, 1951, the uprooted. Boston: Little, Brown, p. 10, pp6). Immigration has left cultural footprints that have shaped American culture to what it is today and what it could be in the future. As ethnic groups migrated to America in search of the “American Dream”, different languages, ethnic cultures, work ethics, different cultural norms, family values, education levels, etc, began to be assimilated into the dominant culture. This has led to changes in the way in which American businesses have become culturally diverse from a national and international perspective. Many of these changes did not occur immediately because corporate boards were still reluctant to accept women and minority candidates on the board of directors. In order to force the hand of American businesses for fair and equal treatment of women and minorities, Affirmative Action and EEO laws were passed to correct the present effects of
Open Document