Abstract:

Diversity in the workplace is attracting the attention of most contemporary organizations, as the multiple advantages of diversity management are becoming known by both researchers and practitioners. As the diversity literature focuses mainly on identifying and applying diversity initiatives, the current article focuses on presenting an overview of the main challenges of diversity management and the initial actions required to create a supportive environment where these barriers are recognised and tackled.

Achieving the benefits of having a diverse workforce is proven a difficult task when known and unknown challenges that affect the organization are not appropriately managed. The current literature review found that the unfit definition of diversity, lack of managerial support, unclear diversity responsibilities, biased behaviours and discriminatory practices rooted in the organizational culture are the main obstacles affecting how diversity initiatives are applied.

Presenting clear implications for practice, this review can help practitioners responsible for implementing diversity actions in the task of overcoming the most important challenges related to diversity inside the workplace.