Effective diversity management is a complex issue.  The Work Institute believes that organizations need to begin diversity management by becoming more knowledgeable about the current OUTCOMES of practices, values, and beliefs currently active in the company.  While many organizations start their diversity initiatives at the training and program implementation phase, we believe diversity success requires a measurement-based foundation.

It is our observation that there are many superficial diversity efforts, mostly compliance-only oriented.  A durable and sustainable diversity initiative must be based on increased awareness and heightened understanding-- the foundations of successful and purposeful individual and organizational change.

The Work Institute recommends that organizations utilize a measurement-based/evidence-based model to design and implement a diversity initiative.  We recommend The Work Institute researchers calling (at home) the targeted population, establishing rapport, and probing employees on their observations, experiences, and recommendations related to open ended diversity and workplace questions.  We need to identify diversity development opportunities from individual perspectives, group identity perspectives, and organizational perspectives. 

Following establishing the baseline with all employees, The Work Institute continues to work with organizations, aiding diversity champions with developing evidence-based action plans.  Concurrent with Diversity Action Plans being implemented, The Work Institute would then continue to interview employee members, using a sampling procedure to connect with approximately 25% of the population quarterly.  In this manner the organization can regularly identify next steps and, at the same time, evaluate the effectiveness of improvement efforts.

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