Diversity Is Key to a World-Class Organization

Abstract

Globalization has become an increasingly important factor in today’s business model—in the United States as well as in many developing nations. Organizational survival and longevity are now closely linked to a strategy of seeking to be considered “world class.” But an organization can only be as good as its people—it takes the best people, often from many walks of life, working as a motivated team to produce world-class products or services. This article explains how effective diversity-based management enables organizations to harness the talents of its people—talents that are not limited by a variety of characteristics that include race, gender, and ethnicity. It also explains how positive leadership strategies can overcome the distrust of some ethnicities that has been exacerbated by the events of 9/11. The author proposes that diversity planning should be embodied in an organization’s strategic plan if it to be successfully implemented and sustained.