Case For Diversity AND Merit In Workplace

“No One Is Happy About Diversity Efforts at Work,” the WSJ titling goes. You think? I’ve had many “bosses” in my 50-yr work career & minorities are in my Top 5 Best if not 3. But, a couple are in my Top worst cause it’s Diversity AND Merit that counts.

The article by Te-Ping Chen & Ray Smith focuses on “The Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate affirmative action” & how it is hitting workplaces “as diversity initiatives face pressure from supporters & skeptics”, especially from those tired of being bullied & want their companies to “Stop being so woke.” But, as the authors also note, “Well before the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action, tension had been building in workplaces across the country over efforts to hire, retain & advance diverse workers. Companies are striving to demonstrate their commitment to minority employees’ success without being seen as limiting opportunities for others.”

Perhaps THAT is the real issue. That is, whether the diversity movement lost its way from the get-go by worrying so much about “the numbers on the website” & how its progress is “perceived” in marketing circles, rather than celebrating the success stories of talented individuals it’s achieve, thereby showing its worthiness. After all, correcting a lack of fairness with overzealous unfairness can be expected to guarantee what? Dissatisfaction all around.

Davd Soul