By George Anderson
A slow growth economy and new research has helped renew the debate on whether there are any tangible benefits to promoting diversity in the workplace, reports USA Today.
A recent survey by the Employment Law Alliance found more than 40 percent of Americans question the need for affirmative action programs.
Another study conducted by researchers from MIT "found there are few direct effects of a diverse workforce on performance -- positive or negative."
Many employers, however, think that diversity programs need a greater commitment, not less, than those to date.
Sam Mathis, diversity vice president, Office Depot said, "We feel diversity is our strength."
Moderator's Comment: What are your views on the value of diversity initiatives in the workplace?
Many businesses restrict diversity of thinking to their own detriment. Perhaps the problem is we mistake diversity for gender and race and forget it is really much more than that. [George Anderson - Moderator]