The report is based on detailed discussions from The Conference Board Council on Workforce Diversity, with representatives and contributions from seven other diversity and inclusion councils both inside and outside the U.S. The discussions make it clear that these executives are facing growing demands to meet higher corporate expectations than ever before.
"The emphasis has progressed from valuing gender and racial differences, which was largely achieved through awareness training, multi-cultural celebrations and employee groups, to strategic and often global business planning and growth," says Toni Riccardi, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer of The Conference Board. "The focus is on how these executives can help their companies capture new markets, build effective global teams, and manage their companies' brand reputations. Companies are increasingly seeking the expertise of their diversity executives as they enter new markets, build profitable relationships, and develop credibility across different cultures."
A lack of clear definitions regarding both the role and responsibility of diversity and inclusion executives may be causing many firms to under-value these executives. The report pinpoints five key trends behind changing expectations for this corporate position (globalization, demographic shifts, technology, legal environment and the socio-political climate) and provides a set of measurable executive competencies companies can utilize to maximize the impact of this important business function in overall corporate growth strategies.
