It also has embraced work force diversity as a core corporate value since its very inception. We asked a GeneLogic scientist and a human resources professional to comment on diversity from their own perspective. Here are excerpts from a dialog with William Munger, scientific director of the renal program, and Al Lichtenstein, vice president of human resources and administration. From a research standpoint, I know that it means scientific diversity, and helps us arrive at new ideas and approaches to keep our technology hot. People with different ethnic backgrounds, life experiences, and insights bring different approaches to problem solving.
Nobody wants the cookie-cutter approach in which every scientist thinks in the same way.
There's a very healthy skepticism in which people question existing approaches, and make sure that we're using the best possible technology and most effective procedures. We've never had a formal program for recruiting people from specific backgrounds. Our objective always has been to hire individuals with scientific skill sets that best fit with the company's research goals. It works very well here because we already have a diverse work force and strong employee referral program. Employees receive a bonus if someone they refer for a job opening is hired.