Chapter 4

Distinguishing between Supplier Diversity and DEI

IN THIS CHAPTER

Bullet Recognizing the similarities and differences between supplier diversity and DEI

Bullet Understanding how the two programs can work with each other

Bullet Discovering some common dangers in lumping both initiatives together

The global COVID-19 pandemic, polarizing politics, and social justice movements have made diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) a high-trending theme and one of the hottest topics in organizations today. You hear about it everywhere: on the news, in company press releases, and in everyday conversations. According to research by management consultancy Russell Reynolds Associates, the hiring of chief diversity officers for companies listed on the S&P 500 nearly tripled from December 2020 to March 2021.

That organizations have recommitted themselves to ensuring that their environments are diverse and inclusive is certainly great news. However, organizations must also remember that they can’t have a fully actualized diversity strategy if it doesn’t include all facets of diversity: the workforce and its suppliers — a side that is sometimes overlooked.

This chapter discusses the differences between supplier ...

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