Is Diversity Important

Abstract

Is diversity important in Supply Management/procurement? That is a question that so many people in many organization throughout the world will have to answer. Depending on who you ask, the answer will vary from organizations to organizations. I hope to provide an answer to this question or at least provide additional information that would allow you to make a more informed decision concerning the importance of Supplier diversity to your organization. It may turn out that your organization does not want anything to do with diversity suppliers. However by taking this approach your company may not be successful in their attempts to win major government contracts. Because the Federal Government has mandates in place that stipulates that a certain percentage of the work on certain project must include minority participation. There are several ways that a company can achieve the goals of minority participation, i.e. subcontracting the land clearing, paving or supplier for materials.

Ultimately an organization has to be totally committed to Supplier diversity in order for it to work as it is intended. So many companies are not committed to the program and they view diversity as another stumbling block that they will have to overcome to achieve their goal of adding to their bottom line.

Is Diversity Important in Supply Management/Purchasing

What is supplier diversity? Supply diversity is the process which equal opportunities are provided to all businesses to compete. The importance of supply diversity to an organization can only be answered by the organization. Supplier diversity is a business program that encourages the use of diverse-owned vendors, including women-owned businesses, as suppliers to corporations and governments. Traditionally women-owned businesses have been underrepresented in supply chains. Hoddinot and Wheeler (2012) stated that “Today, 47% of all small and medium sized businesses in Canada are owned by...