IBM is the epitome of a global company. With operations in over 200 countries, i
ID: 2747144 • Letter: I
Question
IBM is the epitome of a global company. With operations in over 200 countries, issues surrounding diversity are inescapable. Even though IBM executives have a long history of pioneering various forms of diversity, the stereotype of the IBM culture was one of white shirts and predominantly white males at the top of the organization. Globally, IBM currently makes use of a Worldwide Management Council of executives to determine corporate strategy. The challenge for IBM and for this council is to effectively promote business goals and outcomes while also addressing the issues and concerns of a diverse—and global—workforce.
What forms of diversity (e.g., race, gender, other) do you think IBM should emphasize? Why? Who should be involved in leading and promoting this effort?
What role should employees at various levels throughout IBM play in shaping IBM’s diversity initiatives?
do you think IBM’s diversity initiatives in one country (e.g., the USA) should be the same as those in other countries (e.g., Argentina, Cyprus, Moldova,or Vietnam)? Why or why not?
Explanation / Answer
What forms of diversity (e.g., race, gender, other) do you think IBM should emphasize?
Why? Who should be involved in leading and promoting this effort?
IBM should enhance the diversity culture of the organization by creating forums, groups and networks of its employees.
For example, the creation of the African American Forum, Asian-Pacific Forum. Hispanic Forum, Women´s Network, etc. The reason for the creation of this forum is to have a place where people with similar background can share their experience within the organization and present projects to management about how to improve a specific process.
Management should lead this effort.
What role should employees at various levels throughout IBM play in shaping IBM’s diversity initiatives?
They should be active players on the groups and forums in order to create diversity initiatives.
Do you think IBM’s diversity initiatives in one country (e.g., the USA) should be the same as those in other countries (e.g., Argentina, Cyprus, Moldova,or Vietnam)? Why or why not?
No, because every country and culture are different, you can’t expect someone from Argentina will react the same way as some from US on any given initiative. It needs to be shaped to every country