Measuring employee perception on the effects of cultural diversity at Sievo

Abstract

This paper explores people’s perceptions towards cultural diversity at Sievo, by using the Benefits and Threats of Diversity Scale (BTDS). This is an instrument developed in the Netherlands in 2013 and aims to measures how employees perceive the effects of cultural diversity in the workplace. Diversity is evident and compulsory with reducing geographical boundaries for a workforce. Thus, organizations can better reach solutions through effectively understanding diversity profiles and areas of concern. The study provides a mix of qualitative and quantitative responses. The responses are gathered on five benefit dimensions and four threat dimensions. Sievo is truly a diverse organization and focuses on empowerment through lateral hierarchy and diversity through equal employment opportunities. People’s perception of diversity was clear, and most responses were positive. However, some areas that were highlighted were understanding context and feelings in case of different cultures, and at times communication issues. On one hand, people are willing to working in a diverse culture but at the same time, they want to be comfortable with people with the same socio-economic backgrounds. The study suggests that there are no exact responses to diversity being positive or negative. According to the responses, employees cannot be totally in favor of or against diversity. As the literature suggests previously that people either see the pros or cons of diversity. Diversity is a human phenomenon. This means that perception, responses, pros, and cons of everything vary depending on surrounding environment.