The Editor, Sir:

The Prime minister recently affirmed his stance that gays will not serve in his Cabinet on the BBC television show, Hardtalk. The Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica (HRMAJ), while respecting Mr Golding's opinion, wishes to express its concern that his statements may encourage organisations to discriminate against homosexuals in the recruitment process or at the workplace.

HRMAJ wishes to state its belief that diversity management is a critical ingredient for organisational competitiveness. The definition of diversity extends well beyond the traditional view that once focused primarily on gender and race to include sexual orientation, religion, socio-economics and education et al.

We are all different

It is, therefore, important that a distinction be made between an employee's sexual orientation and that individual's behaviour on the job. Most of us work with a variety of people whose values do not completely match our own. We have colleagues who adhere to different religious views. We work with some who have personal habits regarding the use of alcohol and tobacco that may be at odds with our own. We have differences of opinion about abortion, divorce, and politics. Yet, we have to work together. Making judgements about others' moral inferiority blocks communication and hinders teamwork.

In situations where we are able to work cooperatively with those who have different values and beliefs, it is usually because we have found other arenas in which to build common ground. We have seen examples of people of diverse views on sexual orientation or religious beliefs form strong bonds and supportive relationships with one another.

Level of acceptance needed

What is required in the workplace is a level of acceptance and respectability that allows for the amount of cooperation necessary to meet organisational objectives.

Employees need to be held accountable for following guidelines regarding non-discriminatory and respectful treatment of others on the job. Jokes and slurs about any group, whether gays or a particular religion, gender, race, ethnicity, are inappropriate. Let us remember that we are heading into a talent crisis with the retirement of the baby boomers and brain drain from migration and overseas recruiters.

We, therefore, cannot afford to underutilise the talent at our disposal because we are incapable of managing diversity.

I am, etc.,

COLIN BARNETT

President

Human Resource Management

Association of Jamaica

134 Constant Spring Road

Kingston 8