Strategy

Diversity in Apple Workforce

by Ratul Sinha

Diversity in the Workforce of Apple Inc

Apple inc always has been a big example for the tech industry with its diverse innovations every year. But in the case of the workforce, diversity is not seen that often. With little to no changes, Apple’s workforce remains shallow. Even though cultural diversity can be observed but for demographics issues, the organization still fails to gain diversity in the workforce.

Common Diversity Practices Apple Inc

Apple Inc as an organization has been struggling with the diversity in its management. For that diversity in Apple workforce has not been a big part of practice in this organization. Since it was not a big deal for anyone, the organization never bothered to give it any sort of attention until recent years. After Tim Cook (CEO, Apple inc. 2011- present) took over, it was quite clear to everyone that diversity in workforce and innovation in their tech services has been one of the most important aspects. The current CEO of Apple inc. uses diversity in the workforce as a powerful resource that strengthens the face value among civilians. Diversity practice has been a key point of success in recent years for Apple inc. because it portrays the organization as more of a people’s organization where their voice matters.

Diversity Training Within Apple Inc

Not being able to provide diversity in the workforce can lead to misunderstanding and doubt in the minds of the workforce. For globalization, no organization can ignore the fact that companies are being more diverse than ever before. Because without working hand in hand with different ethnic origin, sexuality, and nationality, organizations would not be able to provide the confidence within the force they want to build to maximize the positive outcome. For that same reason, Apple Inc has been using diversity as a coping mechanism with the modern world. Minorities are being valued within the organization and they have more participation than ever before. From recent studies, 53% of the recruits in Apple inc. are from diverse groups and they are inspired to share their thoughts with more freedom. For diversity training, the management of Apple inc. has been more diverse in recent years.

Cultural Diversity in Apple Inc.

Apple inc. slowly but, surely is walking towards more diverse management with their recent steps. Employees come from different countries and different races are being a massive help with the diversity in the workforce. Since Apple inc. is using diversity as a coping mechanism, their new saying “Different together” helps to uphold their new intentions. Since people are joining the workforce from different backgrounds, cultural diversity can be easily seen. In the new hires of Apple inc. 25% of the people are Asian from the 53% diverse group. This shows that a large number of people are joining the workforce and for that, cultural differences are being narrowed. Diversity has affected Apple’s management to such an extent that it can be seen in their 2019’s event where more people of color took the stage.

Demographic Issues with Diversity at Apple Inc.

It can be easily realized that demographic circumstances have been a big drawback for Apple inc. The male prominence and white privileged society can be pointed out in Apple inc. in no time. There is a stereotype that goes around which is “men are just better than women in science” with no explanation, no document and no logic at all. Black people and Asians are always the neglected portion of the white privileged society. Product selection might not be a problem in diversification since one with an innovative mind, from whatever background, can deliver more value than anyone else. Apple inc. human resources management department has not been paying attention to the issues of diversity within the management until the very recent years. Apple inc. is working on their issue and drawbacks but the question of diversity remains since there are little to no changes in the overall diversity of Apple inc.

Lack of Diversity in Apple inc.

For an outsider, it seems like a marketing stunt. Since Apple inc is forcing diversity too much, one can say that Apple is using people of color and women as art, not an artist. This is true to some extent but recent years new hires have been a very impactful example for diversity within Apple inc. management. But still, for Apple inc., 66% of the workforce around the globe is white and the leaders of the organization still bring the question up.

Related: SWOT Analysis of Apple Inc  & Competitive Advantages of Apple Inc

Resources:

  • https://www.google.com/amp/s/mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKCN10E2AK
  • https://diversityq.com/how-tim-cook-has-used-apple-to-turn-diversity-into-a-priority-for-tech-firms-1006221/
  • https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.engadget.com/amp/2018-09-12-apple-diversity-iphone-xs-camera-photos-event.html
  • https://www.apple.com/diversity/