What Is A Diversity Issue?
A firm has a diversity issue when: • A policy or business practice (formal, informal, internal, or external) has a different impact on a particular group (for example, do billable hour requirements disproportionately penalize certain associates?); • A beneficial firm practice happens more frequently to a particular group (for example, who meets with prospective clients or who receives real feedback on their work product); • The potential barrier is more difficult for one group to overcome (upward mobility for a particular group within a firm, including who is represented in leadership positions and who is not). If a beneficial firm practice is inclusive – all highly qualified, talented individuals succeed. Challenging The Status Quo Adhering to the status quo but expecting better results is organizational suicide. Challenge the status quo by first assessing where the diversity issues lie. Addressing the issues is part of a longer process. Keep no policy or process sacred. Conducting A
