Organizations are recognizing that diversity management in outsourcing makes a measurable difference in the potential return on investment (ROI). The diversity issue extends beyond a differing culture where offshore resources are involved. And it goes beyond ensuring that an organization employs a workforce of multiple races and ethnicities.
In outsourcing, managing diversity focuses on getting the best results out of the varied collections of people. Even people of the same ethnicity and culture are diverse. Managing diversity is a huge opportunity but also a huge challenge.
Joe Santana, Senior Director of Diversity at Siemens USA, says, “One of the biggest vulnerabilities that an outsourcer faces when taking on a new client is rapidly understanding and managing similarities and differences of experiences represented within the client’s culture.” He adds that poor management of diversity can lead to “total disaster” and failure in an outsourcing relationship.
Read more of Santana’s insights about effective diversity management in Outsourcing Buzz Blog. The blog interview also discusses how to start a diversity management program to address the challenges and opportunities.
About the Author: Ben Trowbridge is an accomplished Outsourcing Consultant with extensive experience in outsourcing and managed services. As a former EY Partner and CEO of Alsbridge, he built successful practices in Transformational Outsourcing, BPO, Cybersecurity assessment, IT Outsourcing, and Cybersecurity Sourcing. Throughout his career, Ben has advised a broad range of clients on outsourcing and global business services strategy and transactions. As the current CEO of the Outsourcing Center, he provides invaluable insights and guidance to buyers and managed services executives. Contact him at ben.trowbridge@outsourcingcenter.com.