5th Equality, Diversity and Inclusion International Conference, 2012, Toulouse,
France
Stream title : International Diversity Management
Stream organizer: Lourdes Susaeta, IESE Business School, LSusaeta@iese.edu
The changing workforce is one of the most extraordinary and significant challenges
facing many organizations today. Workforce diversity is a demographic phenomenon
that affects not only US organizations but also multinational corporations and
institutions in other countries around the world. Currently, there exists tension
between the collective approach to managing diverse employee groups, and a more
individualized approach focusing on individual needs and abilities which may serve to
accentuate rather than decrease inequalities. As global businesses, MNCs need to
develop the ability to understand, embrace and operate in a multicultural world -both in the marketplace and in the workplace. This is critical in long-term
sustainability and, specifically, impacts their ability to meet long term strategic visions
for personnel goals. As global competition becomes increasingly important, it has
become apparent that competitiveness in the global marketplace will depend on
effective human resource development and management. However, part of the
literature on diversity management, whose roots can be found in the USA and other
anglo-saxon countries, suggests that diversity management represents a step that goes
beyond the issue of equal opportunities at work. Diversity appears to have been
poorly studied so far in the international context, although it is correct to state that a
growing number of international, multinational and global firms now have offices and
departments which specialize in global diversity management. Papers are invited
which focus on empirical, conceptual and/or practical contribution. We encourage
papers to bring special attention to the advantages and complexities involved in the
process of internationalizing diversity policy.
Key words
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Diversity Management in Multinational companies
Diversity as a Strategic Advantage
Global mindset
Best practices: CEO Commitment, Workforce Diversity, Recruitment, Retention and
Work/Life, Talent Development/Mentoring, Employee-Resource Groups, Diversity
Councils and Supplier Diversity.
Need for Measurement and Demonstration of Business Results
Expatriate success: A business model for diversity
Expatriates Adapting to a new contexts
International teams
Aligning global and local perspectives