first round of budget cuts without the support of administration.Education and Training Organizations that successfully manage diversity distinguish between the differences of education and training. Education is a building of awareness and creating a base of general understanding. At the administrative and management levels, educational efforts can spawn interest and an awareness of need, which can then extend the change process throughout the organization (Baytos and Delatte, 1993). Education provides a setting to define issues, develop consistent language and to discuss the nature and source of biases that hinder our ability to perceive others clearly. Training involves activities designed to build usable skills. Training targets in on specific issues to develop the skills necessary to effectively and sensitively deal with an issue. For example, training might teach managers how to conduct performance appraisals with employees from a different culture. By using the information gathered during the needs analysis, an organization can target in on the specific diversity issues they need to address with training. What has worked well for many organizations is to hire outside trainers for a short period of time to “train the trainer” and assist with the initial training workshops. Outside trainers tend to be more objective and are more likely to receive respect from employees, which is valuable in the initial diversity training effort. Before an organization hires an outside trainer, it should thoroughly review the trainer’s credentials. Ask for references, and follow up on them. It’s also wise to ask candidates to prepare a proposal that outlines how they will link their training to the organizational culture and business strategy. The advantage of internal trainers is that they understand the organization’s culture and can manage the training process (Caudron, 1993). Having traini...
