Corporate Diversity Programs Missing the Target?

Business Editors

RARITAN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 5, 2002

Although corporate diversity is always a hot topic, clear progress is hard to find. In his new paper, "Diversity in the Workplace," global organizational development expert and PNA President Adrian Savage asks if corporations are aiming at the correct mark.

Organizational systems can suppress diversity. Many organizational structures, including diversity programs, produce a sense of separation and threat instead of bringing people together. For example, identifying people by their functions sets marketing against sales, finance against production. It is a small step from despising the marketing department to despising other readily identified groups of people who are different from us.

"Well-intentioned programs to `promote' diversity fail because they continually emphasize differences and the areas that separate us," Mr. Savage said. "Instead of programs to encourage diversity - which needs no encouragement, since it is present whether we want it or not - we should create `similarity programs.' If people grow interested in their natural similarities, the differences become less of a cause for dissent or prejudice."

The benefits of diversity are easily proven. It's immensely valuable to organizations and the source of nearly all innovation and creativity. Where no diverse views or ideas are allowed, there is little growth or invention.

Championing positive ways to make performance better and employees happier brings immediate interest from executives and business owners. The best way to persuade everyone to recognize and celebrate our natural diversity is to convince them of the personal and organizational benefits.

Organizations can take practical steps to remove the causes of discrimination, instead of preaching about moral superiority through traditional diversity programs. The best aid to lessening prejudice in the workplace is to help employees build on their strengths. Treating everyone with respect balances our individuality and common humanity for a more coherent and productive organizational world.

For a copy of this thought-provoking paper, call or email Christine Stuart at CHEN PR, 781-466-8282, ext. 39, [e-mail].

About PNA, Inc.

PNA offers corporations solutions for talent management, organizational development, succession planning and key staff retention. PNA uses proprietary approaches developed and proven over two decades to help clients worldwide maximize individual, team and organizational strengths to achieve their business goals. PNA is part of the global RSM International network. For more information visit www.nettps.com or call 908-541-1700.