WHAT'S YOUR DIVERSITY QUOTIENT?

How is diversity like sustainability? Both have a businessedge that reaches far beyond the afterglow of doing the rightthing. And much like sustainability, diversity isn't catching on atwildfire rates, last week's Quick Poll reveals. In fact, only 47%of our respondents claim an inclusive shop. Commentator AudreyMurrell, associate professor of business administration,psychology, public and international affairs at the University ofPittsburgh's Katz School of Business, has conducted research on themeasurable returns of diversity. She wouldn't go on the record andquantify those returns (she says they're too general to bemeaningful to a specific sector), but they're there, she promises.The implication is clear: Diversity pays. Here's why:

"We've known for quite a while that there is a measurable returnon investment for paying attention to diversity in theorganization. So any time you're able to increase the talent pooland increase the diversity of experience and ideas in theworkplace, you're going to see an impact. And when those peoplecome with talent and knowledge and skills, you're going to see apositive impact.