Diversity 2.0
February 14, 2011
There was a time when the definition of workplace diversity meant at best, achieving quotas, and at worst, a few token employees. The culture of the company remained largely unchanged, and all employees were expected to conform to the status quo.
As the first decade of the 21st century comes to a close, diversity now focuses on the synergy between the sexes and the contributions of the multiculturals. Conformity has been replaced by the recognition that the many elements that gender, race, and religion add to the mix are responsible for not only more compassion and cohesion, but also for greater creativity.
Webster University Leiden launched its Center for the Advancement of Women and Diversity in Business on Friday, January 21st, at the WTC, Amsterdam. The mission statement of this group is straightforward:
To overcome artificial barriers in business. This includes barriers due to race, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, etc.
To enhance performance, productivity, customer satisfaction, profits – and legitimate Corporate Social Responsibility objectives – through inclusion.
In attendance and supporting the goals were Erich Steinbock, Managing Director of the legendary Carlyle Hotel, NYC, and Raj Patel, former CEO of Exact software in Delft, as well as professionals and students, of all ages and from all walks of life.
So if on a corporate level, or a personal level, you would like to gain more insight into the benefits of greater diversity and the role it can play in inspiring the workplace, please join in.
The next seminar is scheduled for Friday, February 18th, at the WTC Amsterdam. Admission is free and open to all; reservations are advised. If you are interested in attending, please email: webstercawdb@gmail.com
You can also visit the Center for the Advancement of Women and Diversity online at Facebook, YouTube, or LinkedIn.
