World Class Diversity Management A Strategic Approach

Todayrs"s competitive economic environment makes it necessary to access the most effective managerial philosophies possible-this is as true for diversity management as it is for management in general. It extends to both corporations with operations in multiple countries and those indirectly experiencing the impact of globalization. Even organizations that conduct business in only one country are finding that global interconnectedness, created through communications and technology, makes it difficult to avoid the influence of world dynamics in their industry and related sectors. It has become urgently important to possess awareness of "best in the world" philosophies. However, the field of diversity has not yet progressed towards a standard. We have neither established what "world class" is, nor specified how it might be achieved. Until now. World-Class Diversity fosters ease of comparison, discussion and analysis across the globe and offers a process for addressing any diversity issue. Given the multiplicity of approaches to diversity around the globe, "world class" status requires a process that can be adapted to any approach and used with any mixture. This book provides the blueprint to create an effective new approach, describing a common language for dialogue across countries. By creating a unified terminology and framework for implementation, World-Class Diversity Management aims to become the standard and foundational text for diversity managers across the globe.

Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr., CEO of R. Thomas Consulting & Training, Inc., has been developing and implementing strategies for maximizing organizational and individual potential for over two decades. Recognized internationally for his groundbreaking work on issues of managing diversity, he is also the founder and Senior Research Fellow for the American Institute for Managing Diversity, Inc., a research and education enterprise with the objective of fostering effective management of employee diversity. Recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the top ten consultants in the country and cited by Human Resource Executive as one of HR's Most Influential People, Dr, Thomas continues to consult with numerous Fortune 500 companies, government entities, nonprofit organizations and academic institutions. He is also a frequent speaker at national conferences and industry seminars.