Diversity



Diversity

Overview of an Organization

The employee I have chosen for an interview is from an educational institution, i.e. Portland State University (PSU). This organization is one of the leading educational institutions in terms of sustainability and community-based learning. The institution position in the heart of Oregon's economy and the cultural center enables its students and faculty to apply scholarly theory to the real world issues related to business and community firms. PSU is recognized nationally as well as internationally for the achievements of its faculty, the reputation of its programs, and the preparation of its students as global citizens.

Interviewee's Description

I was granted a chance to interview the Associate Vice President of human resource and university policy and practice, Shana Sechrist. She is responsible for providing leadership in HR management for faculty, staff, and students. As the institution is highly diverse in nature, staff and faculty are also required to demonstrate cultural competencies. Therefore, the employees (including my interviewee) empower each other and value diversity. As being an associate of HR and policy department of the organization, interviewee supports equal opportunity in various procedures and programs such as education, admissions, utilization of facilities without any discrimination with respect to disability, race, age, gender, and others. Thus, she has a sound understanding of the significance of diversity and supports it in the organization.

Interview Question & Answers

Biggest Changes

Since last few years, PSU has experienced a period of explosive growth as it has increased its enrollment by 100 percent (during past 15 years) and become the largest and most diverse university of Oregon. So, this increase in enrollment has lead to increase in faculty and staff as well, which has brought the biggest changes, that is, making the university highly diverse while incorporating dominant culture employees.

Biggest Benefits, Problems, and Frustrations

A multicultural workforce ...