Synergie durch Vielfalt - Synergy Consult

However, let me say that, in general, I am not a
strong proponent of this kind of formal ROI analysis
concerning diversity-related change efforts.
My reasons are twofold. First, the isolation of
specific effects of diversity-related change work
on something as complicated as profits or net
surpluses of firms is extremely difficult. Usually,
too many things are changing at once to really
know the impact of any one effort. Secondly, too
much focus on this motive for diversity work
takes attention away from what I believe are
more straightforward reasons, such as to ensure
fairness, to remove diversity-related barriers to
productivity (such as stereotyping ), and to reduce
poverty (with all of its associated ills).
Is cultural diversity a relevant topic only for
international organizations?
I think that clearly the challenges of cultural
diversity are relevant within countries. For example,
virtually all organizations have diversity
of gender, work function, age cohort and other
human group affiliations which have social and
cultural importance. Therefore, the basic tenets
of the cultural diversity work are applicable
domestically as well as internationally, and this
is true not just here in the United States.
What are the most important points of a
diversity management program?
The single most critical thing is senior leadership.
This means being a visible and consistent
communicator on the subject, role modeling
diversity-supportive behaviors, integrating
diversity management with other aspects of the
business strategy and holding people accountable
for the necessary organizational changes.
Second, one needs an ongoing education plan
for the workforce for continuous learning about
diversity dynamics and how to build diversity
competence.
Third, diversity-relevant research should be
reviewed and new research created to help
build the case for investment in diversity interventions,
to guide planning and to evaluate
progress. Fourth, all people-related practices
and systems must be reviewed and changed
as necessary to ensure that they are diversity
supportive.
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