Q3 What is the difference between equality and diversity?
A None – they are exactly the same
B Equality is about making everyone the same, diversity is about valuing difference
C Diversity covers a wider range of differences than equality does
D Diversity is the latest buzzword for equality. They mean exactly the same
E Diversity is related to organisational needs, equality isn't
A3 Organisations have very different definitions of these terms, so you could probably find an organisation for which each of these answers is true.
For us at Maine-Stream, C) and E) are probably the best answers. Equality traditionally means gender and race equality. Diversity takes into account all differences, including physical ability, sexual orientation, age, and also different ways of working, different perspectives, different experiences, and different cultures. It values the different contributions different people can make, whereas equality has sometimes in the past meant trying to make everyone the same.
Our view of managing diversity is also that it needs to be geared towards organisational needs. It thus becomes integrated with organisational development and development of people in the organisation. We believe that it is essential that equality or diversity are not regarded as an add-on, but are seen as just one piece of a bigger jigsaw.
If you have feedback on our suggested answers (or disagree with them!) please let us know.
