Content area
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to compare responses from current organizations to responses to the same survey from organizations twelve years ago on three issues: 1. how organizations define workforce diversity in terms of individual categories, 2. the extent to which diversity policies and programs are actually utilized in organizations, and 3. the perceived positive and negative outcomes of diversity policies and programs. This longitudinal study of employer workforce diversity policies and programs found: 1. Thirty-five percent more employers reported having a written policy or program in 2004 compared to 1992. 2. The 2004 survey results and literature review indicate an almost even split between organizations that view diversity narrowly only as an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action issue and those who have a broader definition. 3. The characteristics which are included under workforce diversity, as measured by a 50% "yes" response, have increased by three over the twelve year period to a total of ten.