How do organizations implement diversity?

Abstract

As the world increasingly becomes globalized, the society becomes diversified. This change leads to the organizational challenge as to how manage a divers workforce? To face the challenge of managing diversity organizations implement diversity policies and programs. This case study examines how organizations implement diversity policies. A diversity initiative was made from the organization when it chose to sign the Diversity Charter, thus committing to work with diversity and implement diversity policies. 2 months later, in study 1, a survey was utilized to assess the diversity climate. 254 employees from this Norwegian multinational corporation completed the electronic survey. Results from the survey shows that the diversity climate overall is good, although women report almost significantly to be less included than men. Moreover, 49.2% claims that the organization has no focus on diversity. 7 months after the Diversity Charter was signed, in study 2, interviews with 3 key informants were conducted. According to the informants, there were still no new diversity focus and no diversity policies had been communicated or implemented. These results are analyzed and discussed, as is the limitations and practical implications from this case study.