The face of the business world is global. This globalization has led to business leaders examining the need to address the complex issue of diversity in the workplace and how to use diversity as a competitive advantage. Unfortunately, not all companies are addressing diversity with the same passion as others. What are the best practices that have been utilized by leaders in diversity? According to Waller Vallario, there are seven best practices for valuing diversity within the workplace (2006, p.51). This paper will review five of the seven best practices as well highlight some of the corporate leaders who have implemented these best practices. Finally, it will evaluate the writer's current organization based on these best practices and offer recommendations for converting existing practices to one or more of the best practices found within this paper's research.
It is proposed that the potentially constructive or destructive impact of diversity accepted in the workplace starts at the executive level of an organization.
English: An illustration of the three types of com...
English: An illustration of competitive advantage
Dow Chemical corporate headquarters in Midland, Mi...Diversity programs need to be a reflection of the organizational culture. The programs need to recognize and appreciate differences in the members of the workforce and appreciate their contribution to the organization's overall business strategy (Williams, 2007, p. 14). Cultural diversity reflects the unique sets of values, beliefs, attitudes, and expectations, which leads a company to focus on the needs of employees.
Food Lion, LLC, has been recognized for making their employees feel valued through their diversity program. Eric Watson, vice president of diversity for Food Lion, says "diversity has a direct impact on their bottom line" (Williams, 2007, p. 14). That is why Food Lion offers a variety of opportunities to their associates to be active participants in diversity efforts and training. From encouraging their associates to get involved in community events focused on diverse groups...