Diversity: Beyond the Black and White Basics

Every now and then, I realize that I haven't given certain topics recent consideration. Diversity has been out of sight, out of mind for me lately- and then I read the following results of a recent survey regarding diversity, and it jumped to the front again!

According to a recent survey of 3,100 senior HR executives, minorities often get less coaching in organizations today. The Novations Group Internet survey found that 25 percent of respondents report that minorities get coaching at a lower rate than their proportional presence in the workforce. In addition, the survey stated that virtually no respondents reported that minorities receive executive coaching at a higher rate.

“We have found that coaching, mentoring and sponsorship to be part of most companies as an informal system, and that over the past decade, coaching has been generally extended to an increasing number of employees because it is a key driver for upward mobility within organizations,” explained Audra Bohannon, vice president of diversity and inclusion practice for Novations Group. “We looked at the high-potential groups in these organizations and how minorities were represented, and they tended to be represented in small numbers if at all.”

Diversity inclusion strategies, which are about understanding, valuing and making the most of the individual differences, can help organizations achieve a culture that supports and values every employee. In fact, organizations that tend to thrive today value diversity and are committed to developing a culture and workforce that will support the expanding global marketplace. “The data shows that a homogenous group that is performing well versus a diverse group that is well managed that the diverse group will outperform the homogenous group because you get diverse opinions, you get diverse thought, ideas and experiences. It really allows you to go to a higher level,” Bohannon said. “However, a diverse group that is allowed to run amuck, that is not managed and that is not embraced, tends to under perform compared to a homogenous group.”

Because learning and development opportunities can be directly linked to increases in retention, it is important to provide all motivated employees with the tools, including coaching, to ensure opportunity. However, to offer everyone opportunity for growth is difficult when many organizations’ budgets are strapped. Organizations will need take an out-of-box approach to provide personal growth opportunities for all motivated employees.

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Source: Workforce Performance Solutions Magazine, June 6, 2006

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