Articles

Leveraging Diversity - Moving From Compliance to Performance

By Sherryl Stalinski

Most organizations consider managing diversity in the workplace as a compliance issue and a means of gaining access to minority markets. Those organizations that also look at diversity as a key business strategy enjoy the benefits of increased innovation, lower employee turnover, and the flexibility needed to adapt to rapidly changing markets. A theory is presented on systems thinking and the need for biodiversity. Obstacles of implementation and how they may be overcome are also discussed.

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What Gets Measured Gets Done - Achieving Results Through Diversity and Inclusion

By Maureen Giovannini

The business case for diversity can go far beyond participants' satisfaction, but it is critical to ensure that behavioral changes are monitored so that the return on investment can be proven. A four-step "diversity/inclusion" process presents initiatives whose aim is to leverage the potential benefits of diversity through inclusive management practices and organizational policies.

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The Inexorable Link Between Conflict and Change

By Thomas Berstene
Author: Berstene, Thomas

Despite negative connotations often associated with the word, conflict can be a catalyst for change when seen as a learning opportunity. Constructive conflict reveals issues of importance, resulting in their clarification. It can build cohesiveness among participants in the conflict, fostering a positive group experience necessary for change. Author G. Ross Lawford describes four characteristics of authentic power that enable desires to be transformed into reality without inflicting force on others. People who have authentic power are respectful of relationships and are able to find win-win approaches that mutually satisfy the needs of all parties. Lawford suggests several techniques for accessing authentic power, but cautions that it is the principle behind the action that counts, not the action itself. A sidebar article explains the nature of automatic thoughts.

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