How would you answer this question?

[Mellie2162]

If you were conducting a job interview and you asked the applicant "what is diversity" how would you expect them to answer?

My husband has a very important interview coming up with the state. They always ask him this question and he always answers what he thinks it is but never hits their "key words."

So how would you answer the question: What is diversity?

 

[java]

Broadest representation of the many cultures that make up this great country.

 

[onelilspark]

A group of people with various backgrounds, skills, and talents coming together to work as one.

 

[JessicaR]

What is Diversity?
Diversity is a term used broadly to refer to many demographic variables, including but not limited to race, religion, color, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, education, geographic origin, and skill characteristics.

http://www.doi.gov/diversity/

 

[java]

A group of people with various backgrounds, skills, and talents coming together to work as one.

oh I change my answer to this one!

 

[Nie0214]

I'd say diversity is a group of people exchanging different outlooks, ideas, and experiences and when brought together create a great foundation for a team.

 

[VickiVM]

My company has a Diversity division within HR. We tie Diversity also to how it generates business for the company - not just as a hiring or recruiting 'buzz' word.

 

[Mellie2162]

Thanks for all the answers, I like them all. Keep them coming.

 

[JerseyMamaBear]

oh I change my answer to this one!

me too

 

[emma'smom]

What is Diversity?
Diversity is a term used broadly to refer to many demographic variables, including but not limited to race, religion, color, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, education, geographic origin, and skill characteristics.

http://www.doi.gov/diversity/

I would start off my answer using this definition as this is the one we use most formally where I work. However, I would follow it up with some of the other answers that have been providing to explain how diversity is operationalized in positive, practical ways!

 

[onelilspark]

oh I change my answer to this one!

me too

Aw thanks, I guess sometimes I do get things right

 

[maelstrom]

I have no idea how I'd answer that question. I hate questions like that at job interviews. I'd rather be asked questions that have something to do with that actual job I'm applying for, such as if I can count, use a certain computer program, etc. I don't like these personality profiles they do for job interviews nowadays.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Diversity is an industry buzzword that interviewers use when they can't come up with other words and better questions. It is also the hot topic button in corporate America.

What do you mean, I didn't get the job?? Why not?

 

[JR6ooo4]

you have all assumed the subject was human resource related. Many corporations are looking to add diversity to their product line or available services to recover lost income.

I think it is like a Rorschach test given to judge the applicant's business conversation abilities as well as academic knowledge.

Mikeeee

 

[Binnie]

Diversity is respect for various different point of view, whether ethnic/cultural, philosophical, religious, expertise, etc. To me, it implies acceptance of (or at least a willingness to consider) divergent thoughts, acknowledging that those other than your own have merit.

 

[java]

you have all assumed the subject was human resource related. Many corporations are looking to add diversity to their product line or available services to recover lost income.

I think it is like a Rorschach test given to judge the applicant's business conversation abilities as well as academic knowledge.

Mikeeee

You are right I assumed- but she did mention "for the state"