Organizations should demonstrate their commitment to diversity with a comprehensive effort that is reflected throughout the workplace. Diversity programs need to recognize the importance of diversifying the workforce by recruiting and hiring employees, faculty or personnel from different cultures and backgrounds. Additionally, community affairs or outreach efforts should address cultural issues and engage minority populations. Diversity programs should be promoted and protected by an executive oversight committee that investigates relevant diversity issues and researches areas for improvement.
A successful diversity program is supported by a culture that is aligned with appropriate strategies. The mission statement and vision of the organization reflects the groups dedication to promoting diversity. Additionally, organizational leaders are role models, and must set an example. As a result, rewards and activities should reflect values that promote diversity.
The best way to identify the needs of a diverse population, is to ask for feedback and collect data. Individual needs should be considered and addressed to help individuals achieve success within the organization. By supporting the needs of a diverse population, organizations benefit from enhanced performance. An organization or institution will know if their diversity program is successful by the satisfaction expressed by the individuals it serves.
Diversity programs should actively promote and support positive images and attitudes towards diversity. Goals should be established that seek continuous improvement and detail specific objectives that will be implemented to support the goals. Goals should be far-reaching, influencing the overall organization, rather than focusing on engaging only select members. The organization benefits as a whole from a diverse environment, where different perspectives are sought. All members of the organization should be encouraged to collaborate on issues and share their ideas.
Successful diversity programs have a plan. The plan should detail what the program will accomplish and how they will accomplish it. This plan needs to be regularly re-evaluated and improved upon. This is an excellent time to implement formal strategic planning sessions for the whole organization, or oversight committee. This annual exercise enables the committee to evaluate the success of their existing efforts and make changes as required, for the coming year.