Archived Newsletter
Diversity's Importance and Impact in a Global Business World
Author(s): Melissa S. Tucker, SPHR, is vice president and principal of OI Partners-E. K. Ward and Associates
Diversity: We've been using this term in the business world for more than 20 years. What does diversity mean in the 21st century, and how does it impact the global business arena?
The early initiatives on the diversity journey were motivated by regulatory requirements, a sense of fairness and doing the right thing. As the journey continued, more and more businesses recognized the business impact of diversity in the workplace. They noticed changing demographics, changing markets, a change in the customer base and a heightened need to be competitive in the global business world.
The understanding of diversity has also been progressive. The initial focus was on race and sex. Today, diversity is recognized as the varying perspectives, values, beliefs and skills that are brought to the workplace. Diversity dimensions are broad and inclusive; they refer to all aspects that make us different. Today, diversity's importance centers on leveraging diversity as a strength in a global economy. Businesses striving for success cannot afford to view diversity (i.e., cultural differences) as a barrier. A review of the case studies of businesses that are pioneers in the international business arena convinces us of the importance and the impact of diversity. At times, the lack of recognition to the differences in values, approach and style has been detrimental to effective business partnerships and business growth.
Today's workplace focuses on innovation, creativity and enhanced decision making, problem solving and team synergy. The questions we all need to ask are, "How effective is my business in recognizing the impact that diversity has in these areas?"; "Is my organization holding our leaders accountable for diversity success?" and "Do they truly understand the breadth and depth of diversity and its impact on the business and its future success?"
Forward-thinking businesses have developed or updated their diversity strategy: one that recognizes the mistakes of the past, one that takes into account learning that has been acquired and one that recognizes the nuances of domestic diversity and international diversity. This strategy has to align with company values and business imperatives. It cannot be a "program" or solely the responsibility of human resources. The business case for diversity is the first step. This business case is unique to each business, provides the rationale for effectively leveraging diversity and considers all stakeholders. The strategy is developed after a thorough analysis of the builders and barriers to diversity on both domestic and global levels.
For diversity to truly have an impact and be sustainable, it has to be inclusive and part of the fabric of an organization and its culture. Julian Z. Smith, an internal diversity consultant, trained Black Belt, Green Belt and Quality Improvement facilitator, has experience leading organizational improvement projects. He states, "Inclusion initiatives impact the bottom line of your business when the elements of leadership, teamwork and commitment exist and are apparent."
It's apparent that we cannot continue to use the same business models and competencies in a global business world. We have to shift paradigms. We have to enhance our corporate culture. We have to expand the competencies and skills of all employees and especially business leaders. We have to assemble diverse teams with cultural and market-focused expertise. We have to be humble and be willing to bridge cultures, expand relationships and learn from the global business world.
All businesses are impacted by diversity and impacted by the global business economy; therefore, all businesses need to strategically manage how diversity can strengthen their effectiveness in the 21st century.
Melissa S. Tucker, SPHR, is vice president and principal of OI Partners-E. K. Ward and Associates. She can be reached at (716) 626-1188 ext. 206 or mstucker@ekward.com.
© Copyright 2007 NetContent, Inc. Duplication and distribution restricted.