Executive attitudes on diversity positive, but actions lagging, Korn/Ferry Institute survey finds

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A resounding 96 percent of executives believe having a diverse and inclusive workforce can improve employee engagement and business performance, according to a first-of-its-kind survey by the Korn/Ferry Institute.

However, while the poll shows executive attitudes are positive, it also shows enterprises need to do more to promote inclusion.

While 72 percent of executives polled said their organizations have D&I programs, only 23 percent said their firms give senior executives financial incentives to promote inclusion.

"We are encouraged that nearly all of the executives surveyed recognize having a diverse and inclusive workplace gives them a strategic advantage in the marketplace," said Oris Stuart, a Senior Partner in Korn/Ferry Leadership and Talent Consulting. "At the same time, there's work to do in holding managers and leaders accountable and creating incentives."

Korn/Ferry Leadership and Talent Consulting advises organizations on how to improve employee engagement by making their workplaces more inclusive. Last year, Korn/Ferry acquired Global Novations, a premier talent optimization firm known for its work in diversity and inclusion. Stuart served as that consultancy's CEO and managing partner.

"It is also interesting that although 52 percent of those surveyed said management performance appraisals include a component for effectively managing diversity, it is only influencing executive compensation in 23 percent of their organizations. That's a problem," said Stuart.

"In the end, these results are very much in line with what we're seeing in the marketplace," Stuart observed. "This survey shows we have made a positive start in building diversity and inclusion but still have a long road ahead."

Detailed Results

Do you think having a diverse and inclusive workforce can lead to higher employee engagement and improved business results?

Does your organization have a strategy in place to drive employee engagement?

Does your company have a strategy or program in place that promotes diversity and inclusion?

Do management performance appraisals include a component for success in effectively managing diversity?

Does your organization have a diverse mix of leaders?

Is executive compensation at your organization tied to diversity goals?

Methodology: The Korn/Ferry Institute regularly conducts surveys to glean insights on the current workplace and leadership environment.  Results are based on surveys of executives globally registered with the firm's online Executive Center, www.ekornferry.com.  The survey was conducted with more than 400 executives in August 2013.

About the Korn/Ferry Institute: The Korn/Ferry Institute serves as a premier global voice on a range of talent-management and leadership issues. The Institute commissions, originates and publishes groundbreaking research using Korn/Ferry's unparalleled expertise in executive recruitment and talent development combined with its preeminent behavioral research library. The Institute is dedicated to improving the state of global human capital for businesses of all sizes around the world.

About Korn/Ferry International: Korn/Ferry International is a premier global provider of talent management solutions, with a presence throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The firm delivers solutions and resources that help clients cultivate greatness through the design, building and attraction of their talent. Visit www.kornferry.com for more information on Korn/Ferry International, and www.kornferryinstitute.com for thought leadership, intellectual property, and research.

SOURCE Korn/Ferry International