HR Talks London: Organisational Diversity – September 2018
The diversity and inclusion revolution is rising up the business agenda as companies tap a global and rapidly changing customer pool. But diversity involves more than issues of identity or demographic. Although essential to avoid bias based on gender and race, companies must also be aware of discrimination (such as in hiring or promotion decisions) against those who think in unconventional ways.
The session will provide executives with an opportunity to discuss the topic, think about strategies to pursue organisational diversity and drive change.
Pilita Clark, Associate Editor and Business Columnist at Financial Times was joined by Dr Celia de Anca, IE professor of Global Diversity, and Director of IE’s Centre for Diversity to facilitate the conversation. Questions addressed included:
- What are the challenges involved in tackling business environments with limited diversity?
- Could higher levels of cognitive diversity result in less effective decision-making and less positive organisational outcomes?
- How can companies harness the benefits of a demographic and cognitive diverse environment?
- What role does inclusive leadership play and which levels of management should be involved in the pursuit of organisational diversity?
- How can organisations identify employees who can lead diversity initiatives?
- How can companies ‘rewire’ their culture rather than merely implement a tick-box initiative?
- How can HR recruit differently, foster a new management style and promote diverse representation at all levels of the organisation?
- Would an inclusive learning culture allow staff to contribute ideas and learn from peers?
HR Talks gather small groups of senior executives together to debate leadership challenges, approaches, and strategies. Hosted by FT Journalists and members of our global educator network, these sessions encourage conversations among selected audiences in private settings.
