From Michael St. Onge (Winter Term, 2021):

The Organization

PepsiCo Inc. is a global food and beverage industry company with over $67 billion in sales in 2019 (PepsiCo, Inc. Income Statement, n.d.). Founded in 1898 as Pepsi Cola, its subsidiaries now include popular brands like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Ruffles, Tostitos, Aquafina and Cheetos. PepsiCo products can be found in over 200 countries and territories. PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers over a billion times each day and 23 of PepsiCo’s products generate over $1 billion in estimated annual retail sales (About the Company, n.d.).

Being a global company, PepsiCo understands the need to have a diverse and inclusive culture and workforce. On their website, PepsicCo states, “our company is strongest when we are a company of opportunity that embraces the full spectrum of humanity. That means both building a more diverse, more inclusive workplace, and promoting what we call courageous engagement in our company and the communities we serve”, (Diversity and Engagement, n.d.). To that end, PepsiCo’s website states two of its goals to improve diversity and inclusion. First, PepsiCo seeks to reach gender parity in management by 2025, and second, to increase the representation of Blacks in U.S. management roles.

The Initiative

PepsiCo is attacking gender parity on two fronts. In 2016, the company set a goal of pay equality and two years later, the pay gap was less than 1%, after controlling for legitimate drivers of pay. (Brown, 2021). The company has also set a goal to increase the amount of women in the company from 41% to 50% by 2025.

PepsiCo also held meetings with employees to see how they can improve diversity. The feedback from those meetings led to a pledge from the company to increase the number of Black managers by 30% and adding 100 Black associates to the executive ranks (Brown, 2021).

Impact Created

In 2018, PepsiCo reported that 40% of global managers are women (2018 Diversity Report: PepsiCo’s Position, 2018). By 2020, that number nudged up to 41.2%. While that seems like a small increase, Clifford (2016) notes that the number was 27% in 2016. PepsiCo is committed to increasing gender parity in management by 2025. They have endorsed the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles–Equality Means Business and they are part of “Catalyst, CEO Champions for Change. This group includes more than 50 high-profile CEOs publicly pledging to advance more women and women of color into senior leadership positions and onto their boards”, (Diversity and Engagement, n.d.).

PepsiCo does not hide its diversity statistics. Currently, Blacks make up 8.2% of senior management roles in the U.S. and 6.3% of executive management positions. PepsiCo has committed to investing $400 million over the next 5 years to raise these numbers. Their goal is to raise Black representation in management by 30% and add 100 Black associates to executive positions. They will increase their recruiting at historically Black colleges and universities. They will also implement mandatory unconscious bias training and develop inclusion training tools (Diversity and Engagement, n.d.).

PepsiCo has been ahead of the curve in diversity and inclusion. In 1947, the company created the first all-Black sales team and in 1962 named the first Black officer of a major U.S. company. Still, the company realizes there is much work to be done. In the 2018 Diversity Report: PepsiCo’s Position (2018), Urman Bebe, Senior VP and Chief Diversity and Engagement Officer was quoted saying, “as long as there is a need for this report, there is work to be done”, (p.8).

Connection to Course Concepts

Companies that achieve greater diversity and inclusiveness in their workforce have more productive employees who feel valued. This makes it easier for the company to attract and retain top talent. These companies also avoid blind spots in product offerings and market efforts (Graduate Studies, 2019).

PepsiCo is a global company with a global customer and employee base. The company realized long ago that it is beneficial to their profits and to the morale of their employees if their workforce represented their global market setting. Specifically, PepsiCo noted, “Promoting People and Prosperity by working to advance respect for human rights, promote diversity and inclusion in our workplaces, and increase the earnings potential of women to drive economic growth and increase food security” as a key factor to their success, (2019 Annual Report).

Future Implications

PepsiCo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a short-term response to recent events. The company has been working towards more diversity and inclusiveness for decades. You find their pledges and commitments on their website, in their annual reports, and in special publications made available to the general republic. By being this transparent, the company can hold itself accountable for results along with its employees and the general public.

References

2018 Diversity Report: PepsiCo’s Position. (2018). PepsiCo Home. https://www.pepsico.com/docs/album/esg-topics-policies/pepsico_diversity_report_final_highres.pdf?sfvrsn=25721d35_8

2019 Annual Report. (n.d.). PepsiCo Home. https://www.pepsico.com/docs/album/annual-reports/pepsico-inc-2019-annual-report.pdf?sfvrsn=ea470b5_2

About the company. (n.d.). PepsiCo, Inc. Official Website. Retrieved January 30, 2021, from https://www.pepsico.com/about/about-the-company

Brown, S. (2021, January 26). How PepsiCo is reinvesting in diversity and inclusion. MIT Sloan. https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/how-pepsico-reinvesting-diversity-and-inclusion

Clifford, C. (2016, October 17). PepsiCo CEO: Hiring more women and people of color is a ‘business imperative’. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2016/10/17/pepsico-ceo-hiring-more-women-and-people-of-color-is-a-business-imperative.html

Diversity and engagement. (n.d.). PepsiCo, Inc. Official Website. Retrieved January 30, 2021, from https://www.pepsico.com/about/diversity-and-engagement

Graduate Studies. (2019). Organizational Behavior. Graduate Studies, Granite State College.

Pepsico, Inc. (PEP) income statement. (n.d.). Yahoo Finance – Stock Market Live, Quotes, Business & Finance News. Retrieved January 30, 2021, from https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/PEP/financials?p=PEP

From Jason Grant (Winter Term, 2021):

The Organization

During the prohibition era, bootleggers earning a living in deep southern states began gathering on weekends to showcase modified versions of cars used to outrun authorities that looked “stock” on the outside. “Booze-runners” (The Mob Museum, n.d.) enlisted talented mechanics’ help to finetune the performance of higher horsepower models as manufacturers increased engine sizes. Capitalizing on opportunity In 1947, founder Bill France Sr. organized the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, or more easily recognized today as NASCAR.

Today, NASCAR reaches all parts of society through small local track sanctioning and touring series that culminates with the lucrative NASCAR Cup Series that showcases engineers’ brilliant minds and the incredible talent of elite motorsports drivers. Attracting network television revenue and national advertising on the cars, NASCAR has transformed into a business with the net worth of one of its top teams, Hendrick Motorsports, at a staggering $315M (Smith, 2020). But it took one person to stand up against racism in the sport to impact the sport’s future.

The Initiative

Darrell “Bubba” Wallace competes in the NASCAR Cup Series. For the most part, he blends in with the other young drivers of the series, except he is African-American. Wallace was born to an interracial family, continually struggling to unfairly justify his skin color. Like many in 2020, Wallace was horrified by George Floyd’s death prompting the Black Lives Matter and I Can’t Breathe initiatives calling for an end to racism.

As only the fourth African-American driver in the top series history (Lawrence, 2020), Wallace put NASCAR on notice after watching other movements to remove society’s civil war symbols. Knowing the backlash he’d face, Wallace called on the sanctioning body to ban the confederate flag from all NASCAR events. To the displeasure of its most loyal southern-rooted fans, NASCAR listened and on June 10, 2020, honored Wallace’s call to action. No confederate flags are allowed in the confines of NASCAR tracks during sanctioned events.

Impact Created

NASCAR’s banning one of the most iconic symbols of segregation was swift. Banning the Confederate flag upset the status quo. Wallace admitted that up until George Floyd’s death, he became accustomed to the confederate flag throughout the sport (Lauletta, 2020). Soon after the ban, officials found a rope hanging in Wallace’s garage stall at the series track in Talladega, Alabama. An FBI investigation determined the event was not a hate crime but offered little further information. All the while, a twenty-four-hour protest by way of a plane flying over the track tailing a confederate flag ensued (Lawrence, 2020). In a show of unity, every team member and every driver from NASCAR’s top series walked behind Wallace and his #43 race car as it presented to pit road before the start of the Talladega race.

NASCAR has a history of including all colors and nationalities in its sport, including its international touring series. The most recent initiative was launching the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program. The philosophy of the new program states, “NASCAR Diversity & Inclusion strives to create an inclusive environment in all facets of the NASCAR industry recognizing the value of diversity, which allows us to go faster and farther in our workplaces, at the race track and in the stands.” (NASCAR, n.d.). Some of the initiatives include an internship program for young people of all backgrounds to explore a career in motorsports. However, NASCAR still hides from its racist roots.

Founder Bill France Sr. perhaps optimized the racist culture the sport can not seem to shake. France had a friendship with Alabama Governor George Wallace, who held his KKK constituents in high regard (Lawrence, 2020). When Wallace ran for president of the United States in 1964, France served as his campaign chair in Florida (Lawrence, 2020.) Known as a sport for the privileged (Weedon, 2015), NASCAR lubricates the empowering fiction of its sports symbolism. Located in Tennessee, the Bristol Motor Speedway has a second name, known as the “Last Great Colosseum.” Privileged Roman spectators watched as gladiators were forced to fight to the death on a dirt floor for entertainment (The Colosseum, 2018). Ironically, the stars and cars of NASCAR will race on dirt for the first time inside Bristol Motor Speedway in 2021. The event will attract a new viewing audience furthering the goal of enriching NASCAR. Still, as critics argue, NASCAR has a deep history of “cultural politics” (Weedon, 2015) it refuses to recognize entirely.

Connection to Course Concepts

In all fairness, NASCAR faces the same struggle that many other corporations. It believes in the concept of egalitarianism but struggles to change the language of the company’s culture. Perhaps the company struggles with internal diversity identity. As previously noted, the series, through the eyes of many, appeals to privileged people. How people were raised, prior experiences and educational background all challenge individual identity (Graduate Studies, 2019). The sport was born in a period of a deep racial divide in a part of the country disenfranchised to equality. Many of the sports owners and corporate officials are from southern states or descendants of company founders creating a shield around the sport.

“Bubba” Wallace took the advice of inclusion activist Toni Carter. Carter (2018) argued that if a person wants to change the minds of many then they need to invite the majority to a new conversation. NASCAR teams rely on corporate sponsorship. Sponsors freely express and advertise on cars in exchange for payment to offset team operating costs. Wallace did not ask for permission to speak up from car owner “the King” Richard Petty or his sponsors that he’s contractually obligated to support. His declaration has forced the companies that advertise in a sport that largely ignored its roots for seventy years to consider its diversity initiatives. NASCAR has a long way to go to prove it has moved on or away from its southern roots.

Future Implications

NASCAR’s shift in diversity was long overdue considering the organization’s past. The question remains how it will evolve from 2020. Many companies like NASCAR are learning a new reality many wanted to ignore. The core concept NASCAR as well as others must embrace is that change is inevitable. If companies want to survive the twenty-first century, they should embrace the idea that diversity equals progress (Graduate Studies, 2019), and that progress includes the implications of minority fans that pay for merchandise and tickets.

Fans of minority descent, including African-American heritage, are happy about Wallace’s conversation but not with the action so far. Many minority fans do not attend races in person because they fear violence, especially in southern states (Keh, 2020). Because of rising costs and dwindling interest n the sport, NASCAR and teams struggle to secure funding to keep the sport running. Corporate spenders, team owners, fans, and drivers must develop a collaborative effort to move the sport away from its privileged and dixie roots to allow more opportunities for minorities and the less privileged. Perhaps the Drive for Diversity will shift an organization that appeals to right-wing ideology in a new left direction (which ironically is the direction the cars predominantly turn on track) and deepen its commitment to removing racism from racing.

References

Carter, T. (2018, April 13). Inclusive Diversity: The Game Changer [Video file]. Retrieved January 24, 2021, from https://youtu.be/JuK3FGwVJTs

Graduate Studies, Granite State College. (2019). Organizational Behavior. Retrieved January 1, 2021, from https://granite.pressbooks.pub/mgmt805/

Keh, A. (2020, June 26). For Black NASCAR Fans, Change Would Mean Feeling at Ease at a Race. Retrieved January 30, 2021, from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/26/sports/autoracing/nascar-black-fans.html

Lawrence, A. (2020, June 23). Nascar failed to fight racism for 72 years. Don’t praise its support of Bubba Wallace yet. Retrieved January 28, 2021, from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/jun/23/nascar-bubba-wallace-racism-talladega-wendell-scott

NASCAR. (2021, January 20). NASCAR Diversity & Inclusion. Retrieved January 30, 2021, from https://www.nascar.com/diversity

Smith, C. (2020, February 13). Nascar Team Values Flatline As Series Struggles, But Its Leaders Aim To Shift Into A Higher Gear. Retrieved January 30, 2021, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrissmith/2020/02/13/nascar-team-values-flatline-but-series-leaders-aim-to-shift-into-a-higher-gear/?sh=5a76164d371d

The Colosseum. (2018, April 18). Ancient Roman Gladiators. Retrieved January 29, 2021, from https://www.thecolosseum.org/gladiators/

The Mob Museum. (n.d.). NASCAR Rooted in Prohibition Bootlegging Scroll to read more. Retrieved January 26, 2021, from https://prohibition.themobmuseum.org/the-history/prohibitionpotpourri/nascar-and-prohibition/

Weedon, G. (2015). Sport, Spectacle, and NASCAR Nation: Consumption and the Cultural Politics of Neoliberalism. Sociology of Sport Journal, 32(1), 106–109. https://doi.org/10.1123/ssj.2014-0037

From Erlon Jones (Summer Term, 2021):

The Organization

Fox News Network is a popular cable news network that reaches millions of homes across the United States and the world. It was started in 1996 by political operative Roger Ailes. The network has grown steadily in popularity over the years, and most recently is the top-rated news network in the United States. Its news coverage and special news programs are popular and cover a wide array of topics, both serious and fun. A recent review of ratings confirms the network’s popularity. Fox News Channel was the most-watched cable news network for the week of July 5 [2021], according to ratings data compiled by Nielsen. Fox drew an average total audience of 2 million viewers in prime time—and 309,000 viewers in the key 25-54 demographic group highly valued by advertisers. The ratings performance pushed Fox News to the top as the most-watched network in all of cable for the week. (Joyella, 2021) With this popularity, comes millions of dollars in profits, and room for exponential growth.

However, Fox News learned a lesson the difficult and expensive way about allowing a climate of sexual harassment of women in its corporate culture. In 2017, reports became public in the New York Times newspaper of multiple non-disclosure agreements by several female staffers who had been sexually harassed by some of Fox News’ executives and on-air personalities. One plaintiff, Andrea Mackris, recently came forward about her experience at the network as a staffer for Bill O’Reilly, who hosted an immensely popular evening news show. Mackris, who was a producer on Fox News “The O’Reilly Factor” at the time, sued the conservative news personality for sexual harassment in 2004 and settled in an agreement that forbade her from speaking about her experience with O’Reilly. (O’Connor, 2021) Multiple other women came forward after this report detailing similar circumstances while employed at the network. The resulting crisis forced out multiple staff, executives, and even Bill O’Reilly, who lost his show, despite its popularity. The network fired him in 2017 after the revelations in the Times led to a massive advertiser boycott. (O’Connor, 2021)

The Initiative

The New York City Commission on Human Rights acted, fining Fox News Network one million dollars and requiring several initiatives to deter future harassment. As part of a settlement agreement announced Tuesday [June 29, 2021], Fox agreed to mandate anti-harassment training for its New York-based staff and contributors and to temporarily drop a policy requiring people who allege misconduct to enter into binding arbitration. (Bauder, 2021) This was required due to the large number of previous employees that had entered into arbitration to make the allegations go away. This ultimately benefits the harasser, not the victims. Besides the requirement for training, the commission said Fox must maintain an anonymous hotline for employees to report harassment or job retaliation. Fox’s compliance will be monitored by outside inspectors four times in each of the next two years. (Bauder, 2021) These initiatives are being implemented by the new CEO of the network, Suzanne Scott.

Impact Created

When Fox news employees return to the office after the Covid-19 pandemic, they should find a dramatically different environment. The days of a rampant sexual harassment culture with legal teams covering it up are over. First, the deal reached with the New York City Commission on Human Rights requires a multi-tiered hotline for any Fox News employee reporting harassment or discrimination. This will enable the network to immediately respond to any concern an employee may have. Secrecy is no longer an available option, and the documented results of this hotline will be monitored by the Commission on a routine basis, resulting in measurable data on complaints filed.

The deal also requires Fox to hold regular sexual harassment prevention and bystander training sessions for all city-based employees, including executives. (Mangan, 2021) This prevention training will be for all employees, including the executives and on-air talent, which created the toxic culture in the first place. The values of a safe and inclusive workplace will need to permeate the entire organization by providing a uniform training to everyone. That way all staff are aware of what the expectations are whether they are a victim, bystander, or potential harasser. By training all staff on this issue, the network should see a substantial decrease in complaints, and an increase in staff immediately addressing harassment or discrimination. If the network maintains this effort, sustainable results should be achievable in the working environment.

Additionally, employees are no longer required to automatically take sexual harassment or discrimination claims into legal arbitration, based on previous clauses in employment contracts. Those clauses block employees from filing certain claims or disputes in lawsuits in court, and instead compel them to have an arbitrator hear their allegations. That arrangement can prevent the media and the public from learning about the claims. (Mangan, 2021) Harassment or discrimination claims can be voiced and dealt with on a real-time basis, and not get caught up in a legal action. This should measurably decrease complaints in arbitration that are easily hidden and will sustain a more proactive future reaction to harassment and discrimination.

Connection to Course Concepts

A diverse and inclusive environment cannot exist in an organization that devalues people, promotes a toxic work environment, and engages in unethical behavior. Managers and organizational leaders must start by promoting a culture of diversity that permeates the entire organization. Individual employees must be valued, not treated differently due to their gender or other status. This is not only ethical, but good business.
Fox news stated “Under the leadership of CEO Suzanne Scott, the network has implemented annual, mandatory in person harassment prevention training, created an entirely new reporting structure, more than tripled the size of our HR [Human Resources] footprint, started quarterly company meetings and mentoring events, as well as implemented a zero tolerance policy regarding workplace misconduct for which we engage outside independent firms to handle investigations.” (Mangan, 2021) These strategies closely mirror steps that an organization would take to form an inclusively diverse organization. In the case with Fox News, women were viewed as disposable and not deserving of fair and equitable treatment. Now, by realizing that allowing sexual harassment to reign unchecked is expensive and costly in the long run. Treating women as equals is an asset, not a liability. Training employees and providing a positive environment will also alleviate a tarnished image and drained checkbook which Fox News could have avoided.

Future Implications

The Fox News scandal is an excellent example of how an organization that is at the zenith of popularity can become dragged down in a sordid scandal overnight. The investigation by the New York City Commission on Human Rights revealed a culture that existed at Fox News that promoted, tolerated, and covered up sexual harassment of female employees. If Fox News had instead promoted the concept of inclusive diversity and valued each employee and the contributions they could make to the company’s success, the outcome would probably have been different. Listening to others to understand their point of view can break down barriers with regard to generational differences, as well as race or gender. (Fisk, et al., 2019) If Fox News had listened to the women being harassed, it could have avoided a costly scandal. Now, with new initiatives in place, the future is looking better for women who work at the network, provided the network follows through on all of its recent initiatives. Other organizations can learn from Fox News and employ strategies for inclusive diversity that are effective and engage employees. If not, they may be the next business to get caught in a scandal, whether it be sexual harassment, race discrimination, or sexual orientation. Organizations should implement a diversity program themselves, and not wait for a commission to do it for them.

References

Bauder, D. (2021, June 29) Fox News fined $1 million for sex harassment and retaliation. ABC
News.

Fisk, J. M., Silvera, G. A., Haun, C. N., Downes, J., Eberline, N., & Smith-Hanes, P. (2019). Managing Diversity and Inclusion: Insights and Resources. Public Management
(00333611), 101(8), 12–18.

Joyella, M. (2021, July 13) Cable News Ratings: Fox News Wins Week in Prime Time and Total
Day. Forbes.

Mangan, D. (2021, June 29) Fox News to pay $1 million settlement in sexual harassment probe by NYC human rights commission. CNBC.

O’Connor, L. (2021, July 13) Bill O’Reilly Accuser Details Sexual Harassment for The First Time. Huffington Post.

From Andrew Poole (Winter Term, 2022):

The Organization

Farmers Insurance was established in 1928 and provides US citizens with nine types of affordable insurance coverage, such as home, auto, and life. During the Great Depression while other insurance organizations were presenting IOUs to customers, Farmers was one of the few companies able to pay cash. In the 1960’s and 70’s, Farmers began offering discounted coverage based on age, as well as a non-smoker discount, paying attention to societies focus on pro-health at the time. Farmers has been heavily involved in the community since they were established, aiding in World War 2, the 1994 Northridge earthquake and the 1999 Midwest tornadoes. Along with financial assistance to customers, the organization also created Partners in Pride, which allows employees to assist the community through donations and rebuilding projects. They have raised more than $40 million dollars toward health research and vaccines, as well as $24 million dollars toward San Diego area charities (Diversity & Inclusion, 2022). Farmers CEO Jeff Dailey states that the mission of Farmers is to provide first-rate services to customers, as well as taking care of employees. The organization’s vision is to maintain a culture of “Innovators, creators, strategists with a passion for giving back to the community & helping customers in need” (Diversity at farmers, 2022). The organization is thoroughly committed to achieving their mission through corporate citizenship. Launched in 2012, the Farmers Family Fund provides support to employees who experience financial hardships, through community donations. The company has taken steps to be more environmentally friendly by eliminating the use of single-use plastic. Committed to providing a positive and productive culture, the organizational structure at Farmers is foundationally built on their diversity and inclusion initiative (Diversity & Inclusion, 2022). Through this initiative the Farmers organization fosters a work environment focused on the potential of all their employees.

The Initiative

The Farmers Insurance organization is setting the industry standard for organizational diversity through its Diversity and Inclusion initiative. Company CEO Jeff Dailey emphasized the value that acknowledging and understanding diversity has on an organization’s culture. Every employee brings a unique perspective, and Farmers’ “commitment to inclusion and the employee resource groups was and is to support employees and make sure that together we enhance the collective experience for all of us” (Participating Employers, 2021). The Diversity and Inclusion initiative at Farmers empowers employees to utilize their own uniqueness and share that with peers and the community. It also offers training for employees to increase awareness and facilitate a cohesive workforce without prejudice and discrimination (Diversity, inclusion + equity, 2021). Together, Farmers’ employees and executives have supported diversity within the community, sponsoring the Kingdom Day Parade in 2018, 2019, and 2020, which honors Dr. Martin Luther King (Diversity & Inclusion, 2022). The leaders and managers at Farmers demonstrate their commitment to diversity through the support of 10 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) which are all ran by employees. Each group creates its own structure; however, all share the same goals. The groups aim to promote equality among the diverse backgrounds of employees while providing professional development, networking opportunities, and exposure to better hiring practices.

The strategic plan of the Black Professionals Alliance (BPA) promotes an awareness of the specific workplace issues that arise within the black community. The BPA supports Farmers’ strategic priorities and cultivates business professionals through leadership and development programs. Members are given exposure to executive leadership through networking opportunities, which allows leaders and managers to garner a more unique understanding of their organizational structure. The Disability Inclusion Group (DIG) provides education and awareness of the disabilities that employees may be challenged with. This includes the employees that work at Farmers and their families, as well as the customers that they work with. Farmers Asian Alliance focuses on hiring practices that promote a multicultural mindfulness to enhance recruitment within the Asian community. Due to the cross-generational nature within organizations, and the various ages of Farmers customers, the Farmers Future group is designed to increase collaboration within the workplace, as well as provide leadership development through the various generational backgrounds. Promoting an inclusive and safe workplace is the goal of the LGBT & Allies group, while the FarmersFit group promotes overall wellness through positive lifestyle choices, and education on mental and physical health. The following groups: Parent Connect, Somos Farmers, Veterans and Advocates, and Women’s Inclusion Network (WIN) promote awareness and support for parents, the Hispanic community, veterans, and women within the Farmers organization. These group utilize feedback from employees, mentors and role models, and support for the transition from military to corporate life (Participating Employers, 2021). The principles of the various ERGs at Farmers provides opportunities to employees to engage with peers and leaders, as well as the community with a significant understanding of diversity and inclusion.

Impact Created

As part of the Diversity and Inclusion initiative at Farmers Insurance, ERG’s have successfully promoted an organizational understanding of diversity in the workplace. As members of these groups, over 10,000 employees continue to “organize events and drive actions to help make Farmers a more diverse and inclusive workforce” (Porcellino, A., n.d.). From an organizational perspective, these groups have enhanced the demographics within the company. As of 2019, 27% of the employees at Farmers are considered minorities, with 12% of in executive roles. Additionally, 51% of employees are women with 34% of women in executive positions, 43% acting as front-line managers, and 31% as mid-level managers. Organizationally, 18% of employees are considered boomers or older, 11% of staff with self-identified disabilities, and 4% self-identifying as LGBTQ (Gencler, D., 2019). The demographic statistics may be an effective representation of the work of the ten ERGs at Farmers.

Nationally, Farmers Insurance has won several awards related to diversity and inclusion. Comparably is a tech company that utilizes employee surveys, which consider anonymous employee feedback regarding diversity in the workplace. To be considered for an award, companies with 500+ employees must have no less than 75 employees take the survey to qualify. Beginning in 2017, with feedback from over 10,000+ employees, Farmers has won “Top Company for Women” 2017, “Best Company for Women” 2020, and “Best Company for Diversity” 2021 (Diversity at farmers, 2022). Attaining three awards in five years is a considerable achievement and suggests that the work of the initiatives at Farmers are sustainable long-term.

Connection to Course Concepts

Large corporations like Farmers Insurance are equipped with the financial structure and employee presence to make an impact on the systemic problems concerning diversity. Every member of an organization was born and raised with a unique and diverse background. As a result, organizations must make efforts to incorporate these backgrounds into their organizational structure. The term diversity “includes but is not limited to language, religion, marital status, gender, age, socioeconomic status, geography, politics” (Studies, 2019). The diversity of each member is displayed in a variety of ways. The personal and professional experiences a member brings to the team, or the way they were raised would be considered internal diversity. External diversity on the other hand includes such things as gender, age, and ethnicity (Studies, 2019). The workplace is an amalgamation of each individual and the diverse backgrounds they bring to the organization. Collectively, the diversity among all employees leads to five different types of diversity that influence and organization: Generations, gender diversity, racial diversity, religious diversity, and disabilities.

In many states the age an individual can begin working is 14 years old, while the retirement age in 2022 is generally between 65-70 years old. This means that there is a large variety of age differences and generations in many organizations. Generational diversity has many pros and cons, for instance, the younger individuals may bring a fresh unique perspective to an organization. Members of older generations have unique experiences and presumably wisdom to share with the newer generations. Unfortunately, age bias can become a thing, and that is up to leaders and managers to overcome. Gender diversity refers to the various genders within an organization. Historically, the diversity between genders refers to the amount of, and equal treatment between, men and women in the workplace. Gender diversity can entail the differences in communication between men and women, and the potential challenges it brings. Although the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made discrimination illegal, it is still a large factor within organizational diversity. One area that racial bias may play in an organization is the hiring process. If this type of diversity is not properly managed, recruitment and retention of minorities and/or different racial backgrounds will be negatively impacted.

The ERGs at Farmers have been successful at utilizing their unique backgrounds to influence the five types of diversity. Through personal and professional experience, these groups embrace diversity, and can apply their knowledge to educate peers and cultivate leaders, as well as make an impact on the community. The strategic plans of Farmers ERGs, such as the LGBT & Allies group, and the Disability Inclusion Group (DIG) are designed to educate employees and customers on these types of diversity. These groups work to design methods for raising awareness of any bias that may arise. They also take steps not only to minimize the negative effects, but also to include the positive aspects to create a more diverse work environment. This diversity establishes a more comfortable place to work for employees of the various diverse backgrounds and establishes a more positive and productive team.

Future Implications

The efforts of the Farmers Diversity and Inclusion initiative has been massively successful in creating a successful diverse organizational culture. The statistics are proof that by acknowledging and understanding diversity, an organization and its employees can raise awareness and making an impact on the community for the betterment of society. The success at Farmers shows that by developing successful initiatives, organizations may be able to eliminate unconscious bias and lack of understanding surrounding diversity. If more organizations adopt these types of initiatives, it has the potential to create a new norm not only in the workplace, but in society as well. This will have a significant impact on organizations who want to diversify their staff and allow every member the potential to be a leader.

References

Chordas, L. (2021, November). Best practices for building a diverse and inclusive insurance workforce. AM Best RSS News. Retrieved January 27, 2022, from https://news.ambest.com/articlecontent.aspx?refnum=313824&altsrc=17

Diversity at farmers insurance. Comparably. (2022, January 20). Retrieved January 27, 2022, from https://www.comparably.com/companies/farmers-insurance/diversity

Diversity & Inclusion at Farmers. Farmers Insurance. (2022). Retrieved January 27, 2022, from https://www.farmers.com/careers/diversity-inclusion/

Diversity, inclusion + equity awards: Organization of the year (enterprise). Diversity, Inclusion + Equity Awards: Organization of the Year (Enterprise) | Los Angeles Business Journal. (2021, March 26). Retrieved January 27, 2022, from https://labusinessjournal.com/news/2021/mar/26/diversity-inclusion-equity-awards-enterprise-organ/

Gencler, D. (2019, December 20). Farmers Insurance. Fortune. Retrieved January 28, 2022, from https://fortune.com/best-workplaces-for-diversity/2019/farmers-insurance/

Participating Employer’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Initiatives (DEI). (2021). Retrieved January 27, 2022, from https://4b8psy2uo4yodnurz3750edr-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Participating-Employers-Diversity-Equity-Inclusion-Initiatives-DEI-1-1.pdf

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Studies, G. (2019, December 11). Organizational Behavior. Retrieved January 5, 2022, from https://granite.pressbooks.pub/mgmt805/chapter/organizational-behavior-as-its-own-field/

From Katelyn Komisarek (Winter Term, 2022):

The Organization

Microsoft Corporation is an American technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington, that supports the invention, manufacturing, and licensing of goods and services related to computing (Bellis, 2020). Founded by Paul Allen and Bill Gates in 1975, is now a leading developer in computer software systems and applications. Microsoft’s corporate values align with their mission, support their culture, and serve as a deposition of how they expect their employees to treat each other, customers, and partners alike. Microsoft values include respect- recognize that thoughts, feelings, and backgrounds of others are as important as our own- integrity- being honest, ethical, and trustworthy- and accountability- accept full responsibility for our decisions, actions, and results (Microsoft, n.d.).

The Initiative

Microsoft thrives on diverse voices and engaging employee and customer experiences, strengths, viewpoints, and challenges to stretch their thinking, this is how they innovate. Microsoft is unique as they focus on both diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The work of diversity and inclusion has evolved as a result of the acute challenges; we are encouraged by our progress and recognize the work to drive sustainable, systemic change is ongoing (Microsoft-b, n.d.)

Microsoft engages and connects to communities inside and out through several partnerships with their nine employee resources groups. Microsoft resource groups include Blacks at Microsoft (BAM), Global LGBTQI+ Employees and Allies at Microsoft (GLEAM), Disability at Microsoft, Military at Microsoft, Asians at Microsoft, Families at Microsoft, Hispanic/Latinx (HOLA), Women at Microsoft, and Indigenous Community- the ninth and newest employee resource group (Microsoft-c, n.d.).

Impact Created

It is clear that when it comes to either the virus or social injustice, some groups are impacted more than others due to the access they have to jobs, healthcare, good quality education, technology, affordable housing and the list goes on (Milanesi, 2020). Through Microsoft’s nine employee resource groups, they are able to engage employees and the community on a deeper, personal level. 2021 marks the sixth year in a row data trends continue in the right direction for Microsoft. In research from Microsoft (n.d.-c), the percentage of people who had some level of awareness of allyship increased from 65% to 92%. Allyship is a lifelong process of building relationships based on trust, consistency and accountability with marginalized individuals and/or groups of people; an opportunity to grow and learn about ourselves, whilst building confidence in others (Atcheson, 2021). Supported in research from Microsoft (n.d.-c), we can see a trend and notable takeaways where Black and African American employees increased as well as Hispanic and Latinx, Asians increased in the core US workforce. Furthermore, women now represent 29.7% of Microsoft’s core global workforce.

Also in recent light of Covid-19, it was reported that 95% of Microsoft employees worked from home full time, while juggling household and family responsibilities, taking on roles as teachers and mentors, on top of their daily workloads. Supporting caregiving is strongly intertwined with diversity; to help, Microsoft rolled out a set of programs giving flexible time off to manage distance learning, providing tools and resources to support mental health and budget to improve home office environments (Milanesi, 2020). The initiative is sustainable in the long-term as Microsoft continues to remain committed to see these trends of diversity and cultivating inclusion increase throughout their US and global workforces.

Connection to Course Concepts

“When we’re focused on serving the seven billion people on the planet, the question is never why, but rather how; How are we more diverse and inclusive today than yesterday, and what more can we do to improve?” wrote Microsoft’s Chief Diversity Officer, Lindsay-Ray McIntyre (Milanesi, 2020). Microsoft seeks to continually challenge how diverse and inclusive they are, even on a day-to-day basis. Microsoft has realized that diversity in the workplace supports innovation and growth among individuals, groups, teams, and the organization as a whole.

Social diversity is defined as a successful community which includes individuals from diverse backgrounds who all contribute to the success of the community by practicing understanding and respect of different ideas and perspectives (Studies, 2019). Long ago, Microsoft realized the importance of creating and maintaining a successful organization was to have employees with diverse backgrounds who can bring different ideas and perspectives to the table. This also serves a purpose to challenge senior employees with a new way of thinking about a decision or how to overcome a problem.

External diversity can include but is not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, and sometimes even religion (Studies, 2019). Oftentimes, with an unconscious bias, organizations are found to be paying a lesser wage to employees of different ethnicity or gender, in similar roles as others. Microsoft not only tracks their diversity and inclusion data in the US and globally, they also monitor equal pay data. At Microsoft, we are committed to the principle of equal pay for equal work for employees, and we pay employees equally for substantially similar work (Microsoft-c, n.d.).

Future Implications

Microsoft as a large, global corporation has raised the bar to challenge other workforces to create a culture that promotes diversity and fosters inclusion. The Microsoft mission-driven commitment is: The work of diversity and inclusion- to create an environment where people can be their authentic selves in alignment with our company values- is a commitment built into the work each one of us does every day single day (Microsoft, n.d.-c). On March 17, 2021 Microsoft hosted a free, global digital event with speakers whose expertise lies in academia, social change, and diversity and inclusion- and how we can spark and support lasting cultural change. Lasting change doesn’t happen in a day or during a single event; it requires a shift in mindset, and a commitment to ongoing individual and collective action (McIntyre, 2021). Noting that real change doesn’t happen without real work and real commitment from the inside out.

Not only has Microsoft raised the bar to challenge others, but through their Inclusion Journey, they continue to collaborate with how they can work with the best in the industry to spread the message and engage with others how to become more diverse and inclusive. Key points highlighted in Inclusion 2021 from Microsoft (2021b), we all have a role to play; this work is just the beginning and these critical conversations must continue; if companies are not evolving in how they talk and think about sexual orientation and gender, they become unsustainable; why are we afraid to have someone in the workplace who is going to challenge the structure of the layout, whether it’s the bathrooms or health care plans?; the way you do business in the world simply must be built on a foundation of diversity and inclusion, if you want to empower everyone in the world, we must represent the world inside. Organizations, especially those who do business globally, must realize that in order to remain relevant and sustainable, they must conform and normalize conversations around sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, disabilities, and all that makes us different and unique.

Follow the inclusion journey at the link below:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/inclusion-journey

References

Atcheson, S. (2021, December 10). Allyship – The Key To Unlocking The Power Of Diversity. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/shereeatcheson/2018/11/30/allyship-the-key-to-unlocking-the-power-of-diversity/?sh=4ef7253249c6

Bellis, M. (2020, January 10). Who Founded Microsoft and What Made It So Successful? ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/microsoft-history-of-a-computing-giant-1991140

McIntyre, L. (2021, February 18). Include 2021: A global event to engage on challenging topics to accelerate diversity and inclusion. The Official Microsoft Blog. https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2021/02/18/include-2021-a-global-event-to-engage-on-challenging-topics-to-accelerate-diversity-and-inclusion/

Microsoft. (n.d.). About – People. About People. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/about/corporate-values

Microsoft. (n.d.-b). Diversity and Inclusion Report. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/inside-microsoft/annual-report

Microsoft. (2021). Global Diversity and Inclusion Report 2021. Microsoft.

Microsoft. (2021b, March 17). Highlights from Include 2021 [Video]. Microsoft. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/videoplayer/embed/RE4NzYM

Microsoft. (n.d.-c). Inside | Global Diversity and Inclusion at. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/inside-microsoft/default.aspx

Milanesi, C. (2020, October 28). Microsoft’s Diversity & Inclusion 2020 Report Renews Commitment And Redirects Focus Amidst The Pandemic And Social Unrest. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinamilanesi/2020/10/28/microsofts-diversity–inclusion-2020-report-renews-commitment-and-redirects-focus-amidst-the-pandemic-and-social-unrest/?sh=38169ac4c1db

Studies, G. (2019, December 11). Organizational Behavior. Pressbooks. https://granite.pressbooks.pub/mgmt805/front-matter/introduction/