Assignment 2: Discussion—Individual Differences

After addressing the questions in M5: Assignment 1, continue to consider how individual differences, beyond mere ethics, might influence organizational outcomes. No two individuals are alike. In addition to differences such as ethnicity, race, age, and gender, there are a multitude of additional diverse characteristics that set people apart. While there is great opportunity for such differences to negatively affect an organization, there are arguably great opportunities for them to positively affect an organization as well.

Consider the aforementioned aspects, and using the module readings and the Argosy University online library resources, research the impact of individual differences on organizations. Then, respond to the following:

  • Explain how individual differences might be synergistic to organizational behavior.
  • Describe how various components of diversity contribute to the synergy.

Be sure to include more components of diversity than simply race, ethnicity, and gender. Give reasons and examples, supported with appropriate academic literature, when developing your responses. Be sure to cite to APA writing standards for paraphrases and direct quotes.

By Monday, February 13, 2017, post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area. Through Wednesday, February 15, 2017, review and comment on at least two peers’ responses.

Write your initial response in 300–500 words. Your response should be thorough and address all components of the discussion question in detail, include citations of all sources, where needed, according to the APA Style, and demonstrate accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Do the following when responding to your peers:

  • Read your peers’ answers.
  • Provide substantive comments by
    • contributing new, relevant information from course readings, Web sites, or other sources;
    • building on the remarks or questions of others; or
    • sharing practical examples of key concepts from your professional or personal experiences
  • Respond to feedback on your posting and provide feedback to other students on their ideas.
  • Make sure your writing
    • is clear, concise, and organized;
    • demonstrates ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; and
    • displays accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.