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ADC Associates
The Human Side of Business
Diversity can mean Survival
By Duncan Smith
© 2001 by Duncan Smith. All Rights Reserved.
In genetics, it is well understood that a diverse gene pool strengthens a population’s ability to adapt, grow
and succeed -- even to survive. That’s because when change occurs in the environment, such as a new
threat or a shift in climate, those populations which can resist the change -- due to a diversity of genetic
characteristics -- will survive, ensuring the survival of the species. If every member of the species had the
same genetic makeup, an environmental change could easily wipe out the entire group.
There is a clear analogy to today’s business.
The business environment is changing, rapidly and
dramatically. Those companies that use and reward predominantly one kind of thinking are in much
more danger than those that capitalise on the talents of a diverse workforce. The organisations that will
survive and thrive in this changing environment -- the smart ones -- are those that cultivate and develop a
diverse leadership and employee pool. They know that diversity will help them to adapt, grow and
succeed.
ADC Associates
31 Ridge Road, Kallista, Vic, 3791 Australia
Tel: +61 3 9756 7366 Fax: +61 3 9756 7399 Mobile +61 419 329 539
Email: dsmith@adc-assoc.com www.adc-assoc.com