Leading the diverse workforce: Profit, prospects and progress

Abstract

US demographers predict that women, people of color and ethnic minorities will represent over 50 percent of all new entrants to the US workforce by 2008. This shift in demographics plus the pressure from a growing competitive global marketplace are forcing organizations to rethink models of business success. The authors describe how organizations can ensure their readiness to effectively align business strategies with today's demographic and market realities to achieve growth, profitability, and sustainability. This study updates the literature by connecting the leadership literature with diversity research. The theory development of this study reviewed the progress made and the future prospects and potential profits for US businesses in leading today's diverse workforce. Findings from interviews and focus groups with senior executives, representing a cross section of American industries, led to best practices recommendations for capitalizing on the strategic benefits of diversity.

Citation

McCuiston, V.E., Ross Wooldridge, B. and Pierce, C.K. (2004), "Leading the diverse workforce: Profit, prospects and progress", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 73-92. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730410512787