This Master's Thesis is about the topic gender equality and diversity management in business in general as well as in the banking industry specifically. The hermeneutical review of the topic is followed by an empirical research which was conducted in the Czech Bank Česká spořitelna. In particular, its diversity and inclusion program Diversitas, which was implemented a few years ago, is examined and evaluated in terms of impact and caused changes. For this purpose, the author conducted qualitative expert interviews with managers (both female and male) of the bank who were all at least to some extent (directly or indirectly) involved in the process of the project implementation and could keep track of the program development. The results of this research showed that diversity management programs like Diversitas have very positive effects on the company in general but that their impact in terms of bringing about gender balance in top management and board positions is to some extent limited.

The topic of the thesis entitled "Age diversity - promoting equal opportunities in RWE" is an analysis of diversity management tools specific to the company from 2011 to 2012, defining age management and proposing an action plan of age diversity in the company for the years 2013 and 2014. The theoretical part of the thesis defines the basic concepts needed to deal with the issues such as equal opportunities, diversity, age management. The thesis includes a description of the historical development of diversity management, including the legislative framework in the EU and the Czech Republic. Age management is the management with regard to the age and abilities of employees and, as such, is clearly related to demographic changes of society. The thesis summarizes the forecasts of demographic development provided by ČSÚ, indicating that the demographic situation in the Czech Republic leads to the aging of population. In the practical part of the thesis is an analysis of the project "Diversity" of RWE Group on 31 December 2012, particularly with regard to the application of tools for age diversity, analysis of diversity of the labor force, and the definition of a job potential. Analysis results are compared with those of selected companies in age management. Based on the findings an action plan of age diversity of the RWE Group for next period is designed. The aim of the thesis is to verify the positive benefits of age diversity for the RWE Group in the Czech Republic.

Considerable changes have occurred in recent years, regarding the taxonomy and ecology of Eucalyptus fungal pathogens previously treated in the genera Cryphonectria and Endothia. Cryphonectria cubensis now resides in Chrysoporthe with two species, which are very distinct from Cryphonectria. The fungus previously known as E. gyrosa was moved to C. eucalypti and will soon be known as Holocryphia eucalypti. It is very likely that C. eucalypti and Chr. cubensis were introduced onto the African continent, but the hypothesis remains to be tested, while Chr. austroafricana seems native to the African continent. The aim of studies contained in this thesis was to consider the distribution, taxonomy and diversity of Chrysoporthe spp. and Cryphonectria eucalypti on the African continent. This was achieved through surveys in southern and eastern Africa, of both Eucalyptus spp. and native tree species belonging to the Myrtales. The intention was that the results of the studies in this thesis should aid in a better understanding of the taxonomy, origin, distribution, host range, as well as pathogenicity of various Cryphonectria and Chrysoporthe species in eastern and southern Africa. Various new hosts, new areas of occurrence and taxonomic changes have occurred for species of Cryphonectria sensu lato, previously known only on Eucalyptus spp. Chapter one of this thesis presented an overview of the most recent findings regarding the taxonomy, host range and distribution of C. cubensis sensu lato and C. eucalypti. The background to the description of a new genus, Chrysoporthe Gryzenhout&M.J. Wingf. and three new species namely; Chr. cubensis, Chr. austroafricana and Chrysopothella hodgesiana, previously considered to represent C. cubensis was also considered. Furthermore, the wide host range of Chrysoporthe spp. has been reviewed. The fungi are known on various genera in the order Myrtales in both tropical and subtropical areas, worldwide. Emphasis was placed on these Eucalyptus pathogens in Africa. Chrysoporthe cubensis and Chr. austroafricana, collectively known as Cryphonectria cubensis in the past, are important canker pathogens of Eucalyptus spp. worldwide. In chapter two of this thesis I have shown, for the first time, that Chr. cubensis occurs in Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique on non-native Eucalyptus spp. and Chr. austroafricana occurs in Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia on non-native Eucalyptus spp. and native S. cordatum. I was also able to show that Chr. austroafricana causes cankers at the base and higher up on stems of Eucalyptus trees in South Africa and Malawi, which is contrary to prior knowledge. Likewise, the sexual state of this fungus has been shown to be equally abundant as the asexual state in countries north of South Africa, contrary to the situation in southern Africa where the asexual state predominates. The known distribution range of Chr. austroafricana within South Africa was also expanded through this study. Chrysoporthe cubensis is an important fungal pathogen of Eucalyptus spp., worldwide. The fungus is also known on many other hosts all residing in the order Myrtales. Previous surveys conducted in eastern and southern Africa to assess the distribution of Chrysoporthe spp. in this region, revealed the occurrence of Chr. cubensis on Eucalyptus spp. in Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique. In chapter three of this thesis, the population structure of Chr. cubensis isolates from Eucalyptus spp. from Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique was considered for the first time. This represents a first attempt to consider the genetic structure of the fungus from eastern Africa. Results show that there is a very low genetic diversity within the populations of Chr. cubensis from Kenya, Malawi and Mozambique, implying that the fungus is probably newly introduced in these areas. Based on phylogenetic analyses, the origin of eastern African Chr. cubensis is most likely Asia. In chapter four of this thesis, polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers were developed from a single spore isolate of C. eucalypti collected from Eucalyptus stem canker in South Africa. Markers were obtained using the enrichment technique known as FIASCO (Fast Isolation by AFLPs of Sequences Containing Repeats). Ten polymorphic markers were isolated, of which 2 were discarded due to their high polymorphism in the flanking region. These markers will consequently provide useful tools for future investigations considering the population biology and especially the global spread of C. eucalypti. Cryphonectria eucalypti is a fungal pathogen considered opportunistic in South Africa, while in Australia it has been associated with sporadic but serious disease problems. Chapter five of this thesis presents results on the population structure of C. eucalypti from South Africa, eastern and western Australia. Nei's gene diversity (H) showed that the eastern Australian population is most genetically diverse and the western Australian populations from Corymbia and Eucalyptus somewhat less diverse. The South African population displayed the lowest genetic diversity. The high genetic diversity in the Australian populations supports the view that C. eucalypti is native to that region. This is consistent with the fact that Eucalyptus species are also native to the Australian continent. In chapter six of this thesis, I have shown that the fungus isolated from H. canescens, S. cordatum and T. granulosa in South Africa represents a new genus and species related to, but distinctly different from Chrysoporthe. Celoporthe dispersa gen. et sp. nov. is, therefore, described to accommodate this fungus. This description was supported by both morphological characteristics and DNA sequence data. These have clearly shown that isolates of C. dispersa form a clade distinct from Chrysoporthe, Holocryphia and other taxa, which it resembles morphologically. Pathogenicity tests showed that C. dispersa is not pathogenic to H. natalensis, but a potential pathogen of Eucalyptus and Tibouchina spp. The collection of studies included in this thesis demonstrated that Chrysoporthe spp. occur in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania on both Eucalyptus and native Syzygium cordatum trees. This significantly expands the geographical distribution of these important pathogens. The studies have also shown that Chrysoporthe cubensis has recently been introduced on the continent. It is my hope that new knowledge emerging from studies in this thesis will aid in quarantine measure to control the spread of these important fungal pathogens including the new species Celoporthe dispersa. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Microbiology and Plant Pathology / PhD / Unrestricted

O florestamento dos campos do sul da América do Sul incluindo os campos do Pampa estão mudando a paisagem local e levando a mudanças nas populações de aves. O conhecimento sobre o efeito do florestamento sobre a avifauna dos campos do sul da América do Sul é bastante limitado à riqueza e composição de espécies. Além de preencher lacunas considerando diferentes índices para avaliar respostas das comunidades de aves ao florestamento dos campos (Capítulos 2 e 3), nesta tese nós também avaliamos se Áreas de Preservação Permanente localizadas dentro de plantações de eucalipto são funcionais para a avifauna local, fazendo uma comparação com áreas de campo pastejado (Capítulo 1). No capítulo 1 nós registramos uma diferença na composição de espécies entre as áreas devido principalmente às mudanças na altura e densidade da vegetação. Nos capítulos 2 e 3 nós avaliamos diferentes componentes da diversidade (taxonômica, filogenética e funcional) considerando possíveis efeitos do florestamento dos campos sobre estes Nossos resultados demonstram respostas diferenciadas entre os componentes, enquanto o florestamento leva a uma redução na diversidade taxonômica, diversidade filogenética e funcional não demonstram respostas negativas. No capítulo 2 no entanto, nós observamos que o florestamento dos campos conduz a uma perda de distintividade evolutiva, beneficiando desta forma linhagens que se diversificaram recentemente. No capítulo 3 apesar da redução na diversidade taxonômica não houve uma redução na diversidade funcional em áreas plantadas. Já a associação de alguns atributos funcionais com as áreas pós-corte, indica a plasticidade de algumas espécies que retornam para essas áreas logo após o corte dos plantios.De modo geral nossos resultados indicam que a manutenção de mosaicos de campo de diferentes alturas maximiza a biodiversidade local de aves e destaca a importância da proteção de áreas campestres. Além disso, vimos que considerar diferentes componentes da diversidade que incorporam informações sobre as espécies são importantes pois podem informar por exemplo, quantas extinções uma comunidade pode suportar até que funções importantes sejam perdidas, afetando assim a estabilidade dos ecossistemas. / The afforestation of southern grasslands of South America including the Pampa grasslands are changing the local landscape and leading to reduction of bird populations. Knowledge about the effect of afforestation on the avifauna of the southern South American grasslands is limited to richness and composition of species. In addition to filling gaps considering different indices to evaluate responses of the bird communities to the afforestation of the grasslands (Chapters 2 and 3), in this thesis we also evaluated whether Permanent Preservation Areas located within eucalyptus plantations are functional for the local avifauna, making a comparison with grazed grasslands areas (Chapter 1). In Chapter 1 we recorded a difference in species composition between areas due mainly to changes in height and density of vegetation. In chapters 2 and 3 we evaluated different components of diversity (taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional), considering possible effects of grasslands afforestation on them. Our results demonstrate differentiated responses among components, while afforestation leads to a reduction in taxonomic diversity, phylogenetic and functional diversity do not demonstrate negative responses In chapter 2 however, we observe that grasslands afforestation leads to a loss of evolutionary distinctiveness, thus benefiting species that have diversified recently. In chapter 3, despite the reduction in taxonomic diversity, there was no reduction in functional diversity in planted areas. Furthermore, the association of some functional traits with the post-cut areas indicates the plasticity of some species that return to these areas soon after cut the plantations. In general our results indicate that the maintenance of grasslands mosaics of different heights maximize the local biodiversity of birds and highlight the importance of the protection of grasslands areas. In addition, we have seen that considering different components of diversity that incorporate information on species is important because they can tell, for example, how many extinctions a community can support until important functions are lost.

Nosso objetivo foi conhecer as histórias de vida de estudantes universitárias que vivenciam a diversidade sexual, bem como identificar sua recepção pelos docentes, em sala de aula, com vistas a compreender o fenômeno contemporâneo da inclusão da diversidade sexual na Universidade. Desta forma, norteamos o desenvolvimento deste estudo a partir dos três eixos teóricos seguintes: Horizontes da compreensão de gênero e da diversidade sexual na contemporaneidade, A inclusão educacional da diversidade sexual e a Universidade, e O corpo, a fala, a sexualidade e a diversidade sexual na fenomenologia de Merleau-Ponty. Para realizar tal intento elegemos a metodologia qualitativa fenomenológica, ancorada nos pressupostos teóricos do filósofo Maurice Merleau-Ponty, e os/as colaboradores/as foram contatados/as segundo o procedimento Bola de neve (Snowball). Foram entrevistadas, no total, cinco estudantes, sendo: três transexuais, um intersexual e uma drag queen, e cinco docentes, um homem e quatro mulheres, que tiveram, ou têm, em suas turmas, estudantes que vivenciam a diversidade sexual. Nos relatos de todas as colaboradoras estudantes emergiram 5 categorias: Nos horizontes da família; A trajetória escolar: do ensino fundamental ao médio; Nos horizontes da Universidade; e Projeto de vida. De forma singular, nos relatos das estudantes transexuais emergiu a categoria: Mundo-vida transexual; para a estudante intersexual emergiu a categoria Mundo-vida Intersexual; e, no relato da estudante drag queen emergiu a categoria Mundo-vida Drag queen. E para os/as docentes emergiram 4 categorias: O corpo percebido; A diversidade sexual e de gênero na Universidade; Nos horizontes da docência, e Intersubjetividade e consciência. Os relatos de nossas colaboradoras e seus/suas docentes revelam que os mundos-vidas destas estudantes são imersos em estigmas e sofrimentos. Muitos são os desafios a serem enfrentados para uma efetiva educação inclusiva para a diversidade sexual e de gênero. As transformações precisam atingir todas as instâncias do ensino, desde o ensino fundamental, passando pelo ensino médio para, enfim, alcançar o ensino superior / Our objective was to know the life histories of university students who experience sexual diversity as well as to find out how their teachers receive them in the classroom to understand the contemporary phenomenon of the inclusion of sexual diversity in the University. In this way, we orient the development of this study from the following three theoretical axes: \"Horizons of the understanding of gender and sexual diversity in the contemporaneity\", \"The educational inclusion of sexual diversity and the University, and\" The body, speech and sexuality in Merleau-Ponty\'s phenomenology.\" In order to carry out such an attempt, we chose the phenomenological qualitative methodology, under Merleau-Pontys theoretical assumptions. The collaborators were contacted according to the procedure Snowball. A total of five students were interviewed: three transsexuals, one intersexual and one drag queen, and five teachers, one man and four women, who have had, or have, students in their classes who experience sexual diversity. In the reports of all the collaborating students it has arisen 5 categories: In the horizons of the family; The school trajectory: from elementary to middle school; In the horizons of the University; and Life project. In a unique way, in the transsexual students\' reports emerged the category: World-transsexual life; for the intersexual student emerged the category Intersexual World-Life; and in the report of the student drag queen emerged the category World-life Drag Queen. And for the teachers emerged 4 categories: The perceived body; Sexual and gender diversity in the University; In the horizons of teaching, and intersubjectivity and consciousness. The reports of our collaborators and their teachers reveal that the world-lives of these students are immersed in stigma and suffering. There are many challenges to effective inclusive education for sexual and gender diversity. Transformations need to reach all levels of education, from elementary school, through high school and, finally, to higher education

Man's global mobility contributes to a culturally heterogeneous society. Society is characterized by ethnic diversity and in step with movements such as Black Lives Matter, expectations of the social performance of marketers have increased. As far as reflecting today's society and appearing diverse, specifically around ethnicity, there are several marketing strategies companies can use. This study intends to further examine which marketing strategies three companies use to appear ethnically diverse towards customers and how these are perceived by the consumer. By examining three companies' marketing strategies towards customers as well as consumers' responses to them, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the subject. The study data collection of empirical data is taken from a quantitative approach in the form of a questionnaire survey as well as a qualitative approach in the form of an individual interview and two focus group interviews. The theories used in this study are the STP-process, planning marketing communications and social context.

The aim of the thesis is to propose measures for the effective application of diversity management which will lead to improvements in the working environment and to enhance the performance of the company. The first part summarizes the current knowledge about the diverse composition of employees in companies. To solve the research task will be use a number of research methods, especially the questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and document analysis.

The global nature of today's business environment, coupled with technological advances, compels managers to work with an increasingly diverse workforce worldwide. The purpose of this multiple-case study was to explore how bank managers used employee diversity effectively in the organizational decision-making process. Participants were 10 frontline management staff (middle and executive managers) with the required employee engagement skills involved in the decision-making process of a Nigerian bank. The conceptual framework for this study was rational choice theory, also called rational action theory or choice theory. Participants responded to 8 open-ended semistructured interview questions. The data collection process included validating and triangulating information gathered via member checking and review of archival business documents and peer-reviewed journals. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data from the study. Five key themes emerged from data analysis: recruitment, retention, and improvement of diverse talents; education and integration of employees with a divergent institutional heritage; engagement and leveraging of diverse stakeholders; business innovation, and productivity; and decision-making, and profitability. The implications of this study for social change include employee diversity management and strategic practices that contribute to effective decision-making process in the organization to improve socio-economic development of stakeholders (customers, board of directors, employees, policymakers and business contractors) and promote cohesion within bank staff and stakeholders resulting to improved business relationship and tolerance in society.

Economic globalization has greatly increased opportunities, but also requires the organizations to be more open and constantly try to create a new working environment. Organizations today are composed of people of different races, ages, languages, religions, and lifestyles. Organizational management's work tends to use a coordinated approach to bring people from different backgrounds together and maximize the ability and talent through multicultural teams. If managed properly, diversity can bring a competitive advantage to the organizations, but if poorly managed, workforce diversity can have negative outcomes. Due to the lack of research on which organizational level is cultural diversity advantageous for organizations to have, this study will focus on understanding cultural diversity and explore new perspectives about the experiences of different individuals in multicultural settings. This qualitative study takes social constructivism as a philosophical position. It has drawn conclusions by an inductive approach based on the empirical data which we have collected through the interviews and literature, where the focus was to construct meaning and interpret the data collected which came from the experiences of the participants.

MCom / Department of Human Resource Management and Labour Relations / The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of workforce diversity on employee performance in a selected Higher Educational Institution in South Africa. Various legislative measures were introduced by the government in order to shape the workforce in organisations. However, these legislative measures expressly focus on compelling organisations to embrace diversity and thus not considering the business need of it and how it influences employee behavioral outcomes such as employee performance. It is upon this backdrop that this study investigated the effects of workforce diversity on employee performance in an HEI in South Africa. A cross-sectional research design was used. A random sample (n = 267) was chosen by dividing employees into homogeneous strata of academic and non-academic employees. A Workforce Diversity Questionnaire and Employee Work Performance Questionnaire were administered. The results showed a positive and significant relationship between independent variables (gender diversity, ethnic diversity and educational diversity) and the dependent variable (employee performance). The relationship between age diversity and employee performance was not significant. HEIs should introduce diversity management programs to improve the effectiveness of workforce diversity towards employee performance. Because a cross-sectional research design was employed, conclusions about causality could not be made