Factors affecting ability include mobility, manual dexterity, physical coordination, lack of ability to lift or speak, hear, see, remember, concentrate, learn or understand, or to perceive the risk of physical danger. In addition, the employer has the duty to make reasonable adjustments to the physical features of the workplace where they constitute a hazard to the disabled person.
The disability discrimination policy must also make it clear that it is wrong to discriminate against disabled people in the interviewing and selection process, for promotion, transfer or training and dismissal.
In some cases, managers can be confused between the ideas and requirements of equal opportunities and the more up-to-date idea of managing diversity. In many ways laying down policies and procedures to ensure that discrimination is eliminated from the workplace is admirable, desirable and indeed good for business.
The new generation of managers regard the quality of their employees as the distinguishing feature of a successful organisation. People are the single sustainable source of competitive advantage – high performance through the development of people is essential if organisations are to remain viable and competitive.
The promotion of equal opportunities makes good business sense. Equal opportunities are promoted as a key component of good management as well as being a legal requirement. It is also socially desirable and morally right.
Managing diversity on the other hand expands the horizons beyond equality issues and builds on recognised approaches to equal opportunities. It adds new impetus to the development of equal opportunities and creates an environment in which
enhanced contributions from all employees works to the advantage of the business, employees themselves and society generally.
It offers an opportunity for organisations to develop a workforce to meet business goals and to improve approaches to customer care. Managing diversity is about having the right person for the job regardless of sex, race or religion.
Essentially the management of diversity is a quality assurance approach. It helps identify hidden organisational barriers, which make it more difficult for people who are perceived as being different from the majority of their colleagues to succeed and develop careers.
It also helps to effect cultural change and to create an environment in which people from all backgrounds can work together harmoniously. The management of diversity combats prejudice, stereotyping, harassment and undignified behaviour.
Dr John Ball is former examiner for Paper 1.3
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