In a recent study, researchers at North Carolina State University and Portland State University looked at both ethnic and gender diversity. The research revealed that companies with policies in place that value people of color and women “are more innovative, value intangibles and human capital more highly, have greater growth options, have higher cash flow and have stronger governance.”
Thus, commitment to diversity is about better efficiency, better solutions, and better decisionmaking. It is a powerful engine to create value. At all levels of leadership, inclusion drives better community access and engagement, and meeting cultural needs results in better care and outcomes. Some have said that “Diversity is being asked to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” That's a good place to start, but don't stop there—inclusion means we need diverse communities to be as actively involved as the party planners themselves.
