IOP2607 – WORKGROUP DYNAMICS AND DIVERSITY
May / June 2019 exam memo
SECTION A
Answer: 1 - Primary dimensions
Notes: The primary dimensions are core attributes of each individual that do not change: age, gender, race,
physical appearance or traits and sexual orientation.
Secondary dimensions of diversity as attributes that can be changed or at least modified. They include a person’s
communication style, education, relationship/marital status, parental status, religious beliefs, work experience and
income.
Answer: 4 Work experience
Answer: 2 – Diversity
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, Notes: Diversity can be defined as any mixture of items characterised by differences and similarities between
individuals and groups that contribute to distinct social identities Examples of such items include age, race, gender,
physical and mental capability, sexual orientation, ethnic or cultural background, language, religion, birth position in
the family of origin, personality, socioeconomic class, education, geographical region of origin, marital status, family
constellation, life experience, career choice, work background and experience, as well as current job function and
characteristics.
Answer: 1 - Diversity management
Notes: Diversity management: is defined as the behavioural science research, theory and methods used to manage
organisational change and stability processes, that support diversity in organisations and eliminate oppression based
on race, gender, sexual orientation and other human differences.
Organisations strive to motivate and gain access to the potential of their workforce, thereby creating an atmosphere
of trust, respect and personal responsibility. Because of their inclusive, empowering nature, multicultural
organisations can move beyond hierarchy, creating new models for work. More concretely, the aim is to improve the
health and effectiveness of the organisation, while affirming and valuing respect for human differences, social justice,
participation, community, authenticity, compassion, pro-action and humility, effectiveness and health, as well as life-
long learning. It entails a shift away from activities and assumptions defined by affirmative action, towards inclusive
management practices that reflect the workforce diversity and potential
Answer: 1 – Psychoanalysis
Notes:
- Psychoanalysis assumes that many behavioural processes occur on both the conscious and the unconscious
level. It further assumes conflict between rational behaviour as defined by the task(s) of the organisation and
unconscious individual and group processes
- Containment refers to a complex unconscious emotional state involving two parts of a system (containment
refers to the unconscious task)
- Humanistic model: conscious behaviour
- Behaviourism: is a systematic approach to understanding the behaviour of humans and other animals (not
part of syllabus)
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