
Fixing the Flawed Approach to Diversity
Company leaders must acknowledge their blind spots, respond to the needs of diverse groups, and focus on the measures that really work.
Understanding the starting point, clarifying the gaps, implementing the right interventions, and tracking clear metrics are the fundamental building blocks for improving and accelerating the progress of diversity and inclusion initiatives within an organization. BCG’s approach includes a “strategic value sprint” designed to bring insight to light and seize the opportunities with the highest potential.
BCG works alongside organizations to clarify the current state and identify the forward trajectory.
In addition to the data, we work with companies to understand the gaps: what has worked in the past, what should be turbocharged, and where the organization needs to focus.
Using the baseline and benchmarking results, we work with organizations to determine the right interventions in order to address the gaps and focus on those that move the needle and are known to work according to our extensive research.
Not all interventions are created equal, and the key is to identify the proven measures and hidden gems that will make a difference for each organization. To see real change, companies need to focus on what works and prioritize the right measures.
Company leaders must acknowledge their blind spots, respond to the needs of diverse groups, and focus on the measures that really work.
Companies can’t capture the real value of a diverse workforce until they create an organizational culture that welcomes everyone—truly everyone—to participate.
Senior executives set the strategic agenda, but it’s up to line managers to implement change on the ground. No inclusion effort can succeed without their buy-in.
Rather than walling off gender diversity as a women-only issue, companies need to get men at all levels actively involved. Several strategies can help.