Opportunities for diversity in the recession – if you look – says Iwata
By Janna Charles and Barbara Deane
***Editor's note: This article is third in a series exploring the status of diversity and inclusion efforts during the recession with interviews of both internals and externals.***
This "perfect storm" recession is a challenge on a multitude of levels for the diversity practitioner. It calls on practitioners to discipline themselves to look at their work through the duel prism of economic realities and innovative opportunities. Kay Iwata, President of K. Iwata Associates, encourages practitioners and their organizations to use both views to retool, innovate and create new ways to advance the work.
"No matter how dramatic the downturn, there are functions and initiatives that will do well," notes Iwata. "The question that strategic thinking practitioners ask themselves is, 'How can our diversity and inclusion strategy come out of this downturn in better shape than it was when we went in? What do we need to start, stop and continue to do to make it better?'"
Iwata believes diversity and inclusion are powerful keys to business success now and into the future. "The smart money is on those organizations that are responsive and resilient to the changes the recession is creating in the marketplace, workplace and the communities we serve," says Iwata. She suggests readers pick up Firms of Endearmentby David Wolfe to reinforce the profit rationale for "cultures of inquiry." The characteristics of these kinds of cultures mirror the diversity and inclusion visions and mission statements of most organizations.
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