Managing diversity in organisations: Practitioner and academic perspectives: report from a Gender in Management Special Interest Group research event

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a seminar sponsored by the Academy of Management's Gender in Management Special Interest Group, which comprised discussions on aspects of diversity policy, initiatives, and programme development within Bank of Scotland, National Australia Group UK, and BBC Scotland, and also academic and industry presentations.

Design/methodology/approach

The report is based upon observations, notes and discussions on a range of issues relating to diversity in organisations.

Findings

The seminar highlighted practitioner perspectives of diversity management – both for staff development and for the development of a customer base in the case of banks, by actively encouraging business from female entrepreneurs and by aiming to make mainstream financial products appropriate for both female and male customers.

Originality/value

This report brings together a number of interesting and important themes linked to improvements in female recruitment and development.

Citation

Alexandra Beauregard, T. (2008), "Managing diversity in organisations: Practitioner and academic perspectives: report from a Gender in Management Special Interest Group research event", Equal Opportunities International, Vol. 27 No. 4, pp. 392-395. https://doi.org/10.1108/02610150810874331