Global Diversity Network (GDN): What We Do
Global companies operating in widely differing markets have learned how individual, cultural and organisational differences affect their ability to deliver results. Understanding how to operate successfully and respectfully across all kinds of difference is a critical competency for high-performing companies. Future success will demand inclusive attitudes and behaviours which embrace diversity whether: in the future workforce; customers in new growth markets; regional joint venture partners or local host communities.
The GDN comprises a group of leading, globally-focused companies who share a practical mission: to accelerate the effective integration of diversity and inclusion into our global organisations and to demonstrate the business value of that integration. Companies active in this field wanted a quality of connection with other diversity leaders which could help them make smarter, faster progress.
"From the outset, we at BP have committed to making the network a success - we see many benefits flowing from it. It's been invaluable for us to build a good sense of what other companies are doing on diversity, and to learn from others' experiences as well as our own"
The ongoing vision is of an intimate, candid and stimulating network of up to 15 member companies that currently includes Barclays, BP, BT, Cadbury Schweppes, Dow, Nokia, PepsiCo, Shell, Tyco,and Unilever. The delivery of that vision can be seen in some of the comments we receive from members:
“What I like so much about the network is the opportunity to get to a level of honesty never achieved at a standard conference. It’s also inspirational to learn about other’s success in the field. This isn’t easy stuff to deal with – the network has been genuinely helpful to me and my business.”
“Other networks provide resources which are useful but with the GDN it’s the candour of other members in our discussions that is really unique”
“It’s a unique group of professionals and peers”
“Both GDN and Schneider~Ross are leading edge”
The progress of GDN members is supported by various kinds of activity. These are designed to inform and equip members in areas of diversity practice which they decide are current priorities. In partnership with Schneider~Ross, an Advisory Board drawn from the membership actively guides the agenda.
This is an active network. We would expect there to be about nine themed calls in a year. The global heads of diversity will normally have three opportunities to connect directly with their counterparts, including a two-day meeting. Benchmarking will take place on a two-year cycle. The different work strands are integrated to support delivery of the mission as shown below.
Member companies describe some of the Network's tangible benefits as:
- Trusted and in-depth exchange of information between leaders in diversity
- Collaboration and shared resources in tackling common challenges
- Practical 'takeaway' ideas - things that have been tried out in peer organisations
- Peer-to-peer support - someone to talk to who faces similar challenges
- Access to research and consultancy through Schneider-Ross and partner organisations
Click here to get more information on GDN membership.