Diversity and its Effect on an Individuals Behavior - MGT331

Essay by lindy0116University, Bachelor'sA+, October 2004

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Diversity and its Effect on an Individuals Behavior

MGT/331

Diversity and its Effect on an Individuals Behavior

Intro

Anne Frank wrote "We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same" (wisdomquotes.com). This paper will explore and discuss several key factors of diversity as they relate to an individuals daily behavior: ethnicity, gender, age, and socioeconomic status.

Diversity and Individual Behavior: Ethnicity

In discussing how ethnicity contributes to an individual's behavior, it is important to gain a clear understanding of what ethnicity is. Ethnicity refers to the group an individual feels affiliated to in terms of their heritage. Traditionally physical features such as skin color, eye shape, and hair type would be included in this definition. Ethnicity would also more broadly encompass the country of their origin or their family members origin, an area or region they live in, and family or community traditions and beliefs.

The ethnicity someone associates with can play a huge role in the way they perceive the world around them and how they measure their interactions in that world. It helps to shape their sense of right and wrong, their ideas, and their beliefs. It is largely responsible for helping create the individuals identity.

It is to be assumed then that it would be impossible for an individual's behavior to not be effected by their ethnic affiliation. It will color their decision making and thought processes in all daily behavior. By the same token the interactions they have with individuals of different ethnic associations could be effected by the other parties feelings or beliefs as well. Regardless of the interaction being a positive or negative experience, their ethnicity and identity will bring a whole other layer to the experience.

Diversity and Individual Behavior: Gender

Gender is that...