Define the term 'diversity' in a workforce.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [2] (a) A sound definition of 'diversity' in a workforce includes two of the following: A diverse / mixed workforce is made up of individuals with a wide range of backgrounds / characteristics / experiences; Example characteristics of diversity are culture, race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation; Diversity relates to having differences among employees; Deliberately creating an inclusive environment that values differences; Showing no discrimination when hiring the workforce; Acceptance / recruitment of all kinds of people; All employees are safe and treated equally with no discrimination. Answers that focus only on employee skills / specialisation and do not refer to characteristics such as culture / race / ethnicity etc are not acceptable.
2. [3] (b) Sound explanation of two benefits to a business of employing a diverse workforce. Answers could include: By employing individuals from various races, ethnicities, religions and gender the business is judged as valuing people of all diversities; Employees have specific knowledge / understanding of culturally acceptable behaviour / product types / language, etc; Helps achieve a greater consumer market as consumers due to no language barriers / cultural offence; More acceptable / effective marketing to other cultures / religions, etc; Benefit from a range of language skills, which allows them to provide products and services internationally due to the ease of communication; Helps expansion into other countries; Gives improved opportunities to gain international supply links; Gains in creativity because individuals from different backgrounds approach problem solving in different ways leading to innovative products; Can choose from large pool of job applicants are well qualified for the role; Employing a more qualified workforce with a wide range of skills as the business is seen as a welcoming place to work; Reduces employee turnover as every employee feels valued / supported. Accept any other valid response. Award BOD for answers that present logical benefits to a business of having a range of specialised / skilled / flexible employees (1 mark for each benefit - maximum 2 marks).