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Managing Diversity
Increasingly, we find ourselves working in a more diverse working environment and, with global communication getting easier; this is only likely to continue.
Our approach to managing diversity within an organisation challenges inbuilt prejudice and encourages individuals to re-think their approach to working within a more diverse culture. We work alongside senior stakeholders within organisations to develop a diverse culture, which encourages all individuals to release their talent.
Unlike many providers of ‘Diversity Training’, we do not believe that ‘Managing Diversity’ is merely about training in equal opportunities legislation. Rather, we recognise that legislation has an important part to play in how we manage people, but should not be the driving force behind an organisation seeking to develop effective management of individual differences. Abacus has developed the above implementation model and asks organisations to look beyond the initial awareness activities to the realisation of real business benefits.
Click Here to view the Implementation Model.
Our approach assumes that everyone is different, regardless of their background and of whether these differences are visible or not. Equally, our approach recognises that organisations themselves may face challenges to the effective development of a diverse management approach. Therefore, Abacus has developed a range of elective options within the diversity awareness framework to address these potential blockers. Our elective modular options examine specific areas or issues in detail and can include; Investigation of Management Competencies, Dignity at Work Provisions and Requirements, Dealing with Bullying and Harassment at a behavioural or institutional level, Meeting Legislative Provisions and Customer Care.
In terms of how Abacus can help organisations, we have a range of products and services:
| Consultancy Support |
We can work with senior management teams and board members to develop a diversity strategy and a process for mainstreaming diversity throughout the organisation. |
| Diversity Awareness |
We offer half, full, and two-day diversity awareness sessions for senior managers, managers and staff. The course provides delegates with an introduction to the concept of ‘individual’ as opposed to ‘group’ difference and encourages self-reflection and awareness of individual preconceptions and prejudice.
Elective options can be integrated within both the one and two day workshop; perhaps as a theme to case studies or by specific exercises. Within the two day option the elective option is normally offered as a dedicated section of the workshop with specific discussion and group work sessions designed against agreed organisational issues.
The inclusion of elective options as an approach is also applicable to the Managing Diversity and Consultancy products. |
| Managing Diversity |
The next level of training is aimed at middle and senior managers. The one or two day workshops develop strategies for discouraging discrimination and prejudice, and focus on how to develop and sustain positive attitudes and managing positive behaviour amongst team members. |
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