But in an environment that values performance above all else, Johnson knows there are sideline critics who think the diversity card has given him a winning hand unfairly. All that really matters is how competent you are. At the end of the day, I know there can never be any question about my accomplishments. At the basic level, diversity programs are designed to make everyone feel good. They feature sensitivity training, cultural exchanges, networking and the establishment of affinity groups where minorities, women, gays or other interested individuals can share information and support each other.
Employers say the programs are making a difference.
IBM Corp.'s diversity initiatives are a case in point. Diversity staff asked each task force to look at IBM from the perspective of their constituency and tell the company what it could do to make them feel welcome and valued. We looked at recruiting, mentoring, stereotyping and external agencies we should work with. So far the program is producing. Finding a Cultural Fit Diversity was instrumental in Natalie Eckford's decision to join Merrill Lynch in New York as an analyst.