The term ethnicity refers to the ethnic composition of a group or organization. Census statistics indicate that between 2000 and 2050 not only will the U.S. population increase from 281 to 392 million, but the racial mix will change dramatically. These changes in the racial mix of the overall population are reflected in the workforce.
These changing racial patterns point to greater workforce diversity. The challenge for management will be to deal with these ethnicity changes, as with the changes regarding gender, in terms of policies and practices concerning pay and promotions. Like women, minorities on the average are paid less and are less well represented in the upper-management ranks. A recent large study of women of color found that even those identified as being on a corporate "fast track" for promotion and pay report their workplace culture is uncomfortable and unsupportive.