Define "workplace diversity." Provide a brief description of the evolution of workplace diversity over the last five decades

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: Workplace diversity is defined as the ways in which people in an organization are different from and similar to one another. This definition reinforces the belief that managers and organizations should view employees as having qualities in common as well as differences that separate them.
The following table gives a description of the timeline of the evolution of workforce diversity:
1960s to 1970s - Focus on complying with laws and regulations: Title VII of Civil Rights Act; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; affirmative action policies and programs.
Early 1980s - Focus on assimilating minorities and women into corporate setting: Corporate programs developed to help improve self-confidence and qualifications of diverse individuals so they can "fit in."
Late 1980s - Concept of workforce diversity expanded from compliance to an issue of business survival: Publication of Workforce 2000 opened business leaders' eyes about the future composition of workforce–that is, more diverse; first use of term workforce diversity.
Late 1980s to Late 1990s - Focus on fostering sensitivity: Shift from compliance and focusing only on women and minorities to including everyone; making employees more aware and sensitive to the needs and differences of others.
New Millennium - Focus on diversity and inclusion for business success: Workforce diversity seen as core business issue; important to achieve business success, profitability, and growth.