Managing Diversity and Inclusion Programs: Many Companies Still Have Work to Do

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., May 2, 2005 -- All diversity departments face the challenge of measuring and managing Diversity and Inclusion programs. For example, many companies fall behind in setting quantitative measures or non- U.S. workforce representation and most of the benchmarked companies do not have clear targets for supplier diversity, according to a study conducted by benchmarking leader Best Practices, LLC. The study analyzes how top-performing companies identify systems for measuring and managing Diversity and Inclusion programs in the workplace.

This 37-slide presentation benchmarks how companies implement diversity into the areas of program management, representation, advertising, suppliers, philanthropy, setting targets and measuring success. To learn more or purchase this research document, visit us online at: http://www3.best-in-class.com/dr153.htm . The study profiles 65 companies across various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, telecommunications, financial services and pharmaceuticals. Key findings from the survey include:

   - Diversity strategies typically serve the dual purpose of presenting the
     business case for diversity programs and reflecting sponsored
     initiatives.
   - Almost 50% of benchmarked companies incorporate diversity success
     through performance expectations.
   - In addition to brand advertising and product promotion, companies use
     the multicultural advertising budget to promote name recognition and
     image, enter new markets, and create targeted campaigns.
   - 27 out of 64 companies have formal mentoring programs; of those more
     than half have a program that is evenly represented in terms of diverse
     mentors vs. the general population.

The findings in this document were drawn from primary research conducted through the Internet Benchmarking Exchange (IBE) - a new service based on a breakthrough approach for benchmarking between multiple companies over the Internet. Executives can now initiate a survey through the IBE to gain insights to pressing questions from companies around the world in real time. Best Practices, LLC can quickly administer a survey, conduct analysis and present findings within days, not months.

Several of the world's great companies - including Bell South, Kodak, Texas Instruments and Bank of America - are turning to the new IBEs to get quick solutions to today's critical business issues.

Visit http://www3.best-in-class.com/dr153.htm to learn more about this research initiative and purchase the document. For more information, contact James Toomer at (919) 767-9178 or jtoomer@best-in-class.com.

ABOUT BEST PRACTICES, LLC

Best Practices, LLC is a research and consulting firm that conducts work based on the principle that organizations can chart a course to superior economic performance by studying the best business practices, operating tactics and winning strategies of world-class organizations. For more information, call (919) 403-0251 or visit www3.best-in-class.com .

ABOUT THE GLOBAL BENCHMARKING COUNCIL (GBC)

Best Practices, LLC's Global Benchmarking Council is a research program that provides members with real-life winning tactics, best practices, proven solutions, innovation and trends from the experts who have experienced them. Executives can now choose from three unique Global Benchmarking Council programs: the Global Benchmarking Council Foundation Program, the Quality & Performance Forum, and the Financial Services Forum. Learn more at http://www3.best-in-class.com/gbc .