The Concept of Diversity:Practical Issues and Legal Concerns

1. What is diversity?

2. Why it isn’t affirmative action

3. Why is diversity beneficial?

a. A helpful business concept in general

b. The benefits of having an open mind and understanding the perspectives of others

c. Realizing that others see the world differently and realizing that is not necessarily a bad thing

d. Sharing the problem solving process (two heads are better than one)

e. Realizing the diversity of your customer base

f. The affect of diversity on the issue of discrimination

4. The legal risks

a. Goals vs. quotas

b. The potential for “reverse discrimination”

c. How much can you use “diversity” as a factor in a hiring or promotion decision?

5. The bases of diversity

a. Fostering an environment of openness and inclusion

b. Addressing issues from the top as well as the bottom and the middle

c. Eliminating obstacles

d. Training managers and others

e. Expanding the pool of candidates in general

f. Affirmatively locating the candidates in particular

g. Mentoring and development

h. Retention (from day care to parent tracks)

i. Assessing the numbers, safely

j. Fostering a public perception of supporting diversity

k. Connecting with the community

l. Supporting the community

m.Taking credit for what you do