Final answer:
The answer to the statement about businesses needing to focus less on diversity is false. The U.S. workforce is becoming increasingly diverse, and businesses stand to benefit from this demographic shift, both from a profit incentive and from expanding their potential labor pool.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the statement 'In the future, businesses will need to focus less on diversity and more on a homogeneous workforce', the answer is false. Data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census projects an increase in racial and ethnic diversity within the U.S. population and workforce, with white Americans comprising a smaller percentage of the population by 2060 and the proportion of U.S. citizens of Hispanic background expected to rise substantially. Furthermore, businesses have incentives to be more inclusive, as a diverse workforce can help them reach a wider market and address labor shortages.
Examples substantiating the need for increased diversity in businesses include the fact that firms have a profit incentive to sell to everyone, regardless of demographics, and that drawing from a more diverse pool of workers may be necessary for businesses seeking to expand their production capacities. Additionally, diversity in the workforce has been increasing as women who entered the workforce in past decades are moving up within their organizations, signaling an ongoing trend towards more inclusive employment practices.
The growing diversity is not only seen as a way to break down discriminatory barriers but also as beneficial for the economy because it allows for more individuals from traditionally disadvantaged groups to fulfill their potential. Even though there are concerns about rising social tensions, effective anti-discrimination policies aim to help society achieve the more optimistic outcome, harnessing the strengths of a diverse workforce.