The term “authentic” described by dictionary.com is as follows: “not false or copied; genuine; real.” Businesses often times are associated with having a “self-seeking” nature. An authentic workplace with this assumption in mind seems like a stretch. According to Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones’ blog post on the Harvard Business Review, companies that “diversify” their workplace may not be reflecting the differences that mean the most. More often than not, these differences are more than skin-deep. Goffee and Jones suggest that businesses should hire those with, “fundamental differences in attitudes and mind-set between one person and another.”
I agree with this statement entirely and believe that companies should strive to achieve authenticity in their workplaces that will create value for the organization as a whole. Though diversity in terms of age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, skin colour and culture are always great, those working in the organization should be able to be themselves. What does this mean, to be yourself in the workplace? Coffee and Jones describe it simply: “to have a voice, exercise discretion, express disagreement, show what they really care about, and feel “natural” or self-fulfilled on the job.”I have learned from class about management and creating a workplace where employees are passionate about the companys’ goals. Creating an authentic workplace is the perfect depiction of this and I hope to have the opportunity to work for an organization that understands the importance of difference.
Word Count: 231
References:
- Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2015. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/authentic?s=t>.
- Goffee, Rob, and Gareth Jones. “Authentic Workplaces Don’t Try to Make Everyone the Same.” Harvard Business Review. N.p., 12 Nov. 2015. Web. 16 Nov. 2015. <https://hbr.org/2015/11/authentic-workplaces-dont-try-to-make-everyone-the-same>.