MANAGING WORKFORCE DIVERSITY IN THE AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING-INDUSTRY

This study sought to assess the extent to which organizations in the m anufacturing industry were using diversity practices when performing t heir Human Resources functions. The study also assessed the perceived challenges and benefits of diversity in the workforce. The findings of this study indicated that, with the exception of ''remuneration,'' th e extent of adoption of diversity management practices in Australia is only ''average.'' The data indicated that Australian managers do not consider workforce diversity to be a major challenge nor do they belie ve that it provides significant benefits to the organization. The sign ificance of these findings is discussed. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, I nc.