Diversity and inclusion has been in the last few years the agenda that has increasingly dedicated to deepen and learn. For a personal interest, but pretty much encouraged by the topic incorporation into the sustainability agenda in the organizations and the own society, which fortunately raised to the topic to a priority level.
However, this article relates to sustainability and change management, so what has this topic got to do with all that?
Sustainability + Change Management
I began this article with the example of diversity and inclusion because it depicts pretty well how Sustainability and Change Management meet.
Actually, I believe that these subjects walk in pair. Every sustainability management process, if effectively transversal, including all organization areas, and incorporated to the business strategy, requires the corporation to implant a change management process. Some agendas will require a deep process and others will follow a more organic path.
When a company starts implanting a diversity and inclusion program, to stick to the same example, the requirement is to build an inclusive culture.
And why do companies have paid more attention to this topic and implanted programs to promote it? Firstly, because it is fair, but also a competition agenda. In a recent survey* of PWC, the interviewed CEOs confirmed that an inclusive environment is relevant for the business. When asked why, the main answers and justifications were:
- 90% ATTRACT TALENTS
- 83% STRENGTHENS REPUTATION
- 77% improves CLIENT RELATIONSHIP
- 85% improves BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
- 78% promotes INNOVATION
- 75% MEETS NEW AND GROWING NEEDS OF THE CLIENTS
Promoting Changes
But if we mention diversification and it is important for the society and business, we have to consider further that people have different backgrounds and views of the relationship with minority groups such as women (gender), black (race), LGBTQ+, and disabled people, to mention those that are more usually part of the corporate agenda in this area.
So, we cannot increase the representativeness of these groups, either in demographic numbers or in leadership positions, if we do not put in place a change management program that (1) sets out why it is important for the business, (2) identifies the transversal group for planning and management (committee), (3) identifies the view of the corporation and the chief officer, (4) sets a consistent corporate education and communication plan, (5) engages all hierarchical levels, (6) sets short, medium and long term targets and (7) sets affirmative actions to promote changes.
That is why the steps described in the prior item match the 8 steps set out by John Kotter, theoretician that has dedicated to change management.
- Sense or urgency
- Creation of a powerful coalition
- Creation of a view for change
- Communication
- Base empowerment
- Creation of short term targets
- Turning change part of the organizational culture
As Sustainability Coordinator, I’m pleased with the opportunity to take part directly in this process in the company I work for.
However, as my work subject, the sustainability management, is transversal and we work with 100% of the departments, I see similar examples in other sustainability agendas that require a change management process: fighting climatic changes, innovation, ethics, and transparency, to mention a few.
Side by Side
If you hadn’t yet noticed this association between sustainability and organizational change, I suggest you to put both areas together. Both have the same purpose and the convergence of methodologies and efforts can generate priceless gains to reach a new evolution stage in the corporate culture.
I have learned a lot with this approach, in some experiences by leading the change, and in others by being part of processes led by the development area, and the convergence of both subjects has been a gain for the corporation and professional development for everyone.
*Source: 18th Annual CEO Survey, PwC 2018
Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash
** English is not my native language. If you find any opportunity of improvement, let me know. I’ll love to learn from experts!