The Business Imperative vs. The Ethical Imperative: Do Organizations Have to Choose?

Dear Friends & Colleagues,

In many workplaces, inclusion efforts are fueled primarily by strategies to increase organizational effectiveness through being the organization of choice for the best talent, tapping new markets and leading the pack with respect to innovation. It’s often said, “Diversity is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.”

• Given the primary focus on the “the business case” are leaders today simply paying lip service to social responsibility?
• What is the difference between social justice and diversity programs?
• How can organization’s truly embrace diversity through inclusion while promoting social justice AND maintaining success in the marketplace?

The core value that brought Co-hosts and Co-founders Richard Friend, Ph.D. and Judy Seidenstein to their work in the field of diversity is social justice. On this Friday’s episode of Diversity Matters, learn how they help leaders make the link between competitive advantage through inclusion and corporate social responsibility.

Joining Richard and Judy on this week’s show is Polly Weiss, the Director of Diversity & Equity Programs for Duke University’s Office for Institutional Equity. Polly consults with leaders across Duke University’s healthcare and campus organizations on management strategies related to workplace diversity. Join us as we discuss the challenge of balancing social justice with organizational effectiveness on Friday, April 13, 2007 at 10AM (eastern). Call in with your questions and comments at 866-472-5790. Listen to Diversity Matters live or on demand at http://www.diversitymatters.info/. At Diversity Matters™ we are committed to creating a world that works by giving voice to ideas and resources that support diversity, and leading efforts to inspire inclusiveness at work and in the world.

Tune in!

Richard Friend, Ph.D.
Co-founder and Co-host