Diversity management in small companies: city council case study

Abstract

[Abstract]: Diversity management is an emerging field within human resource management. However, most of the literature and consulting in the management of diversity in a workforce is focused on and applied in large organizations. In contrast, the aims of this consulting project were to research and assess policies and practices that a small Australian city council (TCC) can implement to meet its legal obligations and capitalize on the diversity of the community. Qualitative data was obtained through depth interviews with sixteen of the twenty-eight managers, and a workforce survey yielded quantitative data. The results revealed that TCC has not met legislative requirements and managers’ awareness of diversity management principles was not satisfactory. An analysis of questionnaire responses suggests that TCC has achieved a majority fit with the characteristics of the local community, except in the areas of women and young workers. The recommendations are to review of the corporate mission and HR policies, improve the link between policy and diversity principles and to formulate an EEO management plan. Moreover, it is important for the council to collect the necessary workforce statistics for comparison and evaluation purposes