Expert Forum

Some years ago, I wrote a paper that suggested that population demographics coupled with changing attitudes would ultimately force the business world to deal with the subject of diversity—with its myriad of definitions. That situation has apparently come to pass, both in terms of the emerging U.S. and global workforce, but also in terms of global business expansion; particularly, into China and India. Read more

A decided shift is occurring in how we dominantly facilitate formal learning. I use the term formal to distinguish it from everyday experiential learning through human interaction. By learning, I mean the process of transforming information into knowledge. This process occurs by how we interact with and engage concepts which are not presently part of our working reality. Read more

Diversity of Thought is one of the most powerful creative, innovative, and transforming areas of diversity, inclusion, and high performance. Mastering the five integrated skills discussed in this paper ensures an individual’s ability to be successful in a diverse, multicultural world. Read more

The progression of business paradigms, shown below, clearly illustrates that we are transitioning from the Age of Human Potential to the Age of Oneness.

The Age of Human Potential is characterized by Performance and Talent Management—the Quest for Talent. As shown in the diagram, power in that paradigm is based upon the acquisition and retention of human capital. Read more

In 1989 Innovations designed a three-part model for characterizing the
global dimensions of culture—including its impact on how organizations
and businesses function. The three-part model consists of the fundamental level of culture, high/low context; the more visibly practiced level of societal culture; polychronic/monochronic orientation; and the translation of these levels into how
organizations function; Eurocentric/Non-Eurocentric orientation. Read more

Workplace spirituality provides a holistic umbrella that compatibly embraces the totality of work-related activities which are sourced from one's inner self. Whether these activities are initiatives involving diversity, performance management, employee-engagement, work-life integration, or creativity, innovation, and imagination, there is a spiritual dimension to their application in the workplace. Read more

Framing the Challenge I begin this paper with a declaration: "It is not possible to create inclusion (or an inclusive culture) without the experience of cultural transformation." Cultural transformation is the process of irreversibly changing the mind-set (culture) of an organization and correspondingly, its policies, processes, and behaviors that results in a more equitable mode of operation. When applied to an individual, I refer to this process as personal transformation. Read more

During the first decade of the 21st century (2000-2010) considerable efforts have been devoted to creating cultural inclusion, particularly by organizations that have been serious about the necessity for diversity. The concept of inclusion came about during the 1990s when it was apparent that the efforts in diversity were not affecting the culture or diversity-related objectives in any irreversible way. Read more

Talent management is an initiative designed to source, attract, recruit, develop, advance, and retain highly competent employees. It’s also designed to target their development to leadership and management functions critical to the organization’s continuing success. Therefore, talent management is inextricably coupled the organization’s strategic objectives. Read more

The most compelling question about diversity a law firm must consider is whether the firm as whole believes diversity is crucial to its short- and long-term business success. Diversity permeates every aspect of the firm’s operation, from lawyers and staff to clients. So the question is not whether diversity is important, the question is, “Is there a sense of urgency regarding its aggressive implementation?” Read more

The most recent battle cry in diversity is “inclusion” or “creating an inclusive culture.” In reality, creating inclusion goes beyond a good business case for diversity and changing people’s behavior. Most of all, it involves a significant shift (or transformation) in the individual and collective mind-sets of the work force. Read more