Managing Diversity

at Workplac

e

Diversity: An Overview

Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization.

Diversity encompasses race, gender, ethnic group, age, personality, cognitive style, tenure, organizational function, education, background and much more.

Diversity: An Overview

Reasons for Increasing Diversity

Changing Workforce

recognition and desire

for diverse viewpoint

Competitivepressures

legislation and law suits

Rapidly growing International

BusinessDiversity Model

Implications of workforce diversity

Benefits Increased adaptability

Broader products & service range

Variety of viewpoints

More effective execution

Reducing costs associated with turnover, absenteeism and low productivity

Return on Investment (ROI) from various initiatives, policies and practices (Govt. Aids, Brand Image, SEZs, FDIs)

Benefits Contd…DuPont, for example, considers diversity a business imperative vital to ongoing renewal and competitiveness in the 21st century.

This philosophy was illustrated when the company learned how one small change could directly translate into significant profits. At DuPont Merck, the sales of an anticoagulant drug in the Hispanic markets were low. When a Hispanic manager noticed that the drug was only labeled in English and consequently translated the instructions into Spanish, sales improved significantly. Now, educational materials for the drug are translated into 15 languages and bring in millions of dollars in new business.

Leveraging the Power of Difference for Competitive AdvantageSociety for Human Resource Management, U.S., conducted a study, where it was found that, HR professionals from top 100 companies on Fortune's list, stated that, “diversity initiatives provide organizations with a competitive advantage by positive improvements in corporate culture, employee morale, retention and recruitment”.

For example, 40% of companies ensure leadership development programs are available to all employees, 34% increase innovation by tapping talent of employees of all backgrounds, and 31% utilize diverse experiences for special projects and assignments.

Challenges….

Communication

Resistance to change

Implementation of diversity in the workplace policies

Difference in attitude, values and belief

Differences in motivational needs..

Overcoming the challenge…

Organizations should Foster an attitude of openness

Ward off change resistance with inclusion of people in decision making & policy formulation

Implementation of diversity in the workplace plan (family – friendly )

Promote diversity in leadership positions

Utilize diversity training

Mentoring programs

Learning

Individual approaches…

Empathy

Overcoming the challenge Contd…

Views amongst the business world

At a symposium regarding diversity in the workplace, 400 executives agreed that "diversity programs help to ensure the creation, management, valuing and leveraging of a diverse workforce that will lead to organizational effectiveness and sustained competitiveness."

Contd…

“Diversity represents a company’s fundamental attitude that not only respects and values the individuality of its employees but also understands how to tap the potentially significant contributions inherent in diversity.”

Alexandra GroessAllianz Group’s International Diversity Project Head

Contd…

Coca – Cola having a special Diversity council and Forum shares the vision as:

“ we foster open environments, as diverse as the markets we serve, where workplace rights are respected and people are inspired to be the best they can be...”

IBM’s Viewpoint

Diversity as a business strategy

There is an alignment between diversity and business strategy at IBM. They deviated from the notion that differences in Cultural aspects should be suppressed for the benefit of the organization and rather they created task force to encourage diversity.

IBM went beyond just complying with laws. Diversity was imbibed into the culture of the organization and was made part of the company’s vision

Pepsi’s Strategy

In April, 2005, Diversity Inc. ranked Pepsi 4th amongst the best companies for diversity on its annual list. Pepsi was ranked as best workplace for African American and Latinos.

Reinemund, Chairman & CEO Pepsi Co. stated that, “I believe that companies that figure out the diversity challenge first, will clearly have a competitive advantage”

Contd……

Indira Nooyi, The CEO of Pepsi, said the full potential of diversity can not be realized without an inclusive culture.

By the end of 2004, Pepsi had 29% women in Managerial position as against 24% in 2000 and the percentage of colored people in management jobs went up from 11% in 2000 to 17% in 2004.

Assets Make Things Possible...

People Make Things Happen…

Thank You, All!