Was diversity only a trend? Are the benefits real? Have we moved on?
Diversity, it’s no longer the in thing, right? At least I certainly hear fewer people talking about the opportunities and benefits of a diverse culture in our workplace. Perhaps it’s because the advantages and opportunities it delivers, do not evoke the same emotions and headlines as exclusion and polarization, nor does it play on our fears. However, that doesn’t make it any less important.
We are currently facing major societal issues, no doubt about that. Poor integration is leading to parallel worlds with cultures that do not function together. Mistrust and economical misuse of the system flourish. Gangster logic built on violence has grown strong including gang-shootings were also not involved persons becomes victims. It′s a huge failure for our society when such horrible things happen, and I can understand that multiculturalism and diversity are questioned from these perspectives.
However, I do not agree with many of the conclusions and solutions presented, and I question in certain the long-term effects. The answers being provided are now almost exclusively focused on increasing prison numbers, sentence lengths, faster deportations, and the like. Such actions may signal a proactive response and be effective in isolated instances. But from a broader perspective, they can hurt democracy while reducing trust among different groups in society. I miss the discussion about opportunity and what we can achieve together. It is possible to attack the big questions in different ways.
A good example of what can be done is the many young boys and men who came to Sweden during what we refer to as the refugee crisis. Have you heard much about them recently? Probably not, but if you’re interested and I urge you to be, I recommend you to read the reasons for this in the article below.
As a modern-day success story, Knightec’s growth and development are built on diversity. We’ve worked hard to implement diversity and inclusivity into the organization, overcoming challenges to reap the rewards. It’s not always simple, but what is simple in business? Simplicity isn’t our goal. Our goal is to be the best partner to our customers and develop products and services to impact society positively. Diversity plays a vital role in our success, and we use it to our advantage, which we are actively addressing internally.
We are also active externally. Among other things, via our "Let's UpTech" initiative, where we work with schools and are active role models for young people in vulnerable areas, together with Scania and Granitor. It makes a difference. I mention this as an example of how the questions can be addressed. As individuals, companies, and society, we can make a difference when we are dedicated to shape a bright future together. Let's UpTech will also be present at J?rvaveckan that takes place at Sp?nga IP in Stockholm on the 29th of May until 1st of June. Scania, Granitor and Knightec will join a panel discussion on the topic of how collaboration between schools and business can strengthen the tech sector.
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Am I mixing things up? At least that's not my intention. Rather, the reverse — I want to open a debate and highlight the issues from different perspectives in the hope that the question gains traction. At the same time, I want to remind everyone of what is possible when we pool our collective efforts! These are big issues that needs to be dealt with; accordingly, they are not trends. There are great opportunities and benefits to be had in diversity. If we in the business world can be forerunners and actively take a stand in diversity, I am fully assured that we together can contribute to a more successful and well-integrated Sweden. This will in turn, make the Swedish society better and the Swedish Business World more competitive and attractive worldwide.
Development of Afghan refugees in Sweden:
Democracy in Sweden
M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering/Mechatronics - Make Stuff Useful
10 个月Good question. IMHO, diversity is a slogan, a societal virtue that is hardly ever honestly lived up to. I wish it were different, but more often than not it is weaponized against us. As an immigrant, I have done my best to get integrated in the new society and even more important - respect and enjoy the traditions and heritage of the existing population. On top of that, I have brought with me my self and my uniqueness. This is a healthy diversity. However, bringing in hoards of fugitives and people without roots or land to go back to, who are fed up with everything, trying to survive and cope, does not include respect and the will to integrate with others after migrating, but rather frustration, crime, and acute disrespect, more often than anything else. The short answer is - when done elegantly, diversity is very enriching for almost any culture. When immigration is (like many other things) weaponized against we-the-poeple, it is a disaster.
Palestrante em empresas e outras organiza??es | Escritora e professora | Educa??o Corporativa | Gente| Diversidade | Equidade | Inclus?o | Literatura | ESG
10 个月When I think about refugee crisis, I think about our need (I mean the world) to deal with diversity. This topic is not a trend, but a need, and I agree with you, people and companies have a lot to do. We are not talking that much because diversity is challenging, but you’re right, we have to insist, talk and do things. Great article!
I could not agree more with points that Dimitris Gioulekas and all the others in this thread are making. In 80s and 90s in Sweden (for those who remember it) there were wide spread ideas on assimilation. For me it meant loosing your roots. Emigration inherently means uprooting and replanting yourself. But if you loose your roots in the process chances are high that you will perish. To survive and to trive you need to keep your roots, establish yourself were you stand and cross polinate. That is integration. Diversity, as many have pointed out in their comments here, can provide many benefits but it requires integration to be fully effective. Those of you who work with system development know that all parts of a system may be fully functional on their own, but when you combine them to build a system, you need to work on integration. Otherwise there is a big risk that your system will malfuntion. Integration has an effort and cost attached to it. If you are not willing to invest in integration you will most likely end up in failure. Working with and building a diverse team I have learned that I need to put in the effort to integrate the beautiful minds I have in my team. Its only then that magic happens.
Country Manager at Nova | Ex-professional Dancer
10 个月Thank you for highlighting this!
Creative & Experience Strategist | Passionate about Storytelling & Brand Experiences
10 个月Diversity is crucial, even if current issues and headlines distract from its benefits. We need inclusive solutions that build trust and integration.?The Let's Uptech initiative is an excellent example of how embracing diversity leads to positive outcomes. Thanks for sharing a great reflection on an important topic.??