Benefits May 22, 2008

Recruiters Say Diversity Hiring Efforts Should be Driven by Exec Leadership

May 22, 2008 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - More than two-thirds (68%) of executive recruiters say diversity hiring efforts should be spearheaded by top company leadership, according to the latest edition of the quarterly Executive Recruiter Index by Korn/Ferry International.
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A press release on the survey results said 13% of respondents indicated the board of directors should drive efforts for diversity in hiring executives, and 11% said the onus should be on HR.

Nearly half (46%) of the executive recruiters surveyed reported that minority candidates are present in 25% to 75% of their executive searches, while 21% said diversity candidates had been included in 75% or more of their recent engagements, according to the release.

Almost half (49%) of recruiters attribute the increased visibility around diversity issues to globalization, and another 30% cite the increased presence of women and minorities in the workplace as the leading reason. Nearly nine out of 10 respondents (85%) agree that companies that have successful diversity programs in place enjoy a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

The survey of 228 Korn/Ferry International consultants was conducted online within the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa March 14 to 28.

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