Continuing to be optimistic, I want to draw attention to an article in today's Wall Street Journal.
It describes a relatively new corporate trend -- the appointment of Chief Diversity Officers.
Corporate headquarters may be in danger of occupation by too many "chiefs," what with Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Marketing Officers, Chief Communications Officers, etc. But even the Journal seems to think this particular version could be a timely addition to the rolls.
"Having a diverse work force no doubt helps a company's image," it writes, "and some say it can also impact the bottom line by reducing employee turnover, boosting innovation and attracting new business."
The paper cites a PriceWaterHouse Cooper's finding that some 60% of Fortune 500 companies have appointed CDCs, a quarter reporting directly to the CEO. Most have traditional human resource responsibilities, but interestingly some are also responsible for marketing.
Sadly, not all the paper's readers see the value. For example, Dan Freeman, president of a NJ- based marketing firm of all things, considers it "a total piece of rubbish." He accuses the reporter who wrote the piece of sounding "much more like the mouthpiece of the Democratic-Government establishment than a journalist."
Building up a righteous head of steam, he writes, "Workplace diversity is institutionalized racism against white men. Nothing more. No better than the KKK and perhaps worse, since it is sanctioned by the state. ... Diversity is something to be tolerated; not worshiped."
On his web site, Mr. Freeman claims an impressive list of blue-chip clients. Apparently, they are unaware of the country's changing demographics. (Dan, if you see this, contact me. I have reserved a free copy of OtherWise for you.)
But, back to the bright side, only about half a dozen people had commented on the Journal article by mid-morning. Some might consider this a sign that there is little interest in the subject. In my new optimistic mode, I prefer to think most of the Journal's readers saw the headline and said "Duh?"
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