Diversity and inclusion (D&I) organizational structures take on a variety of formats within organizations and may include C-Suite-level chief diversity and inclusion officers, executive diversity councils, steering committees, and many other roles. For organizations starting a diversity initiative, the following entries in the Ask Catalyst Express series will be especially helpful.
Catalyst Resources on Creating a D&I Structure
Case Studies
- Eli Lilly and Company—Employee Journeys and People Strategy Supporter Exclusive
“Lilly’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Office (GDIO) is an essential oversight body providing strategy, structure, and resources for the initiative. The GDIO, led by the Chief Diversity Officer, is responsible for the development and implementation of programs to improve D&I at Lilly. The GDIO works with the Executive Diversity Council (chaired by the CEO and including Lilly’s Executive Committee) and other Diversity Councils specific to different regions and lines of business that adapt Lilly’s global D&I strategies for their own specific operational contexts. Each business unit also has a diversity and inclusion lead.” - Deutsche Post DHL Group—Women in Management Supporter Exclusive
“For a company of DPDHL Group’s size and global footprint, implementing a global diversity initiative with the scope of Women in Management requires more than one group focused on D&I. The company formed several oversight bodies to execute the program and create consistency for the company’s D&I programming across regions. A few examples:- The Diversity & Values Department provides strategic guidance, frameworks, and a platform for sharing best practices at a corporate level.
- The Diversity Core Team includes the members of the Diversity & Values Department and divisional diversity champions with HR functions. Divisional diversity champions facilitate and coordinate diversity activities on regional or local levels according to divisional needs and requirements.
- The Diversity Council is chaired by the Board member for HR and made up of second-level executives from all divisions. The council acts as a strategic advisory board to advance D&I activities and to monitor global KPIs reflecting on diversity. Members are ambassadors and promoters for diversity within their divisions.”
- Procter & Gamble—Everyone Valued, Everyone Included, Everyone Performing at Their Peak™ Supporter Exclusive
“The Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) is a rotating position among line leaders, is part of the Global Leadership Team, and reports to the CEO with dedicated resources. This positioning of the CDO ensures accountability within the businesses for implementation and emphasizes the importance of D&I to the organization.” - Kimberly-Clark Corporation—Unleash Your Power: Strengthening the Business With Women Leaders Supporter Exclusive
“The Global Strategic Leadership Team (GSLT)—Chairman and CEO Thomas J. Falk and his 10 direct reports—worked with Human Resources and the Global Diversity Team (part of HR) to integrate the initiative’s goals throughout the global organization and provide structure and framework for the execution and accountability of the initiative. The Global Diversity Team tracks metrics (e.g., hiring, promotion, and turnover) and reports regularly to Kimberly-Clark’s Board of Directors and the GSLT.”
Topic Overview
- Diversity Councils Supporter Exclusive
Other Resources on Creating a D&I Structure
- Diversity Staffing Structures: Examining Current Practices in the Area of Diversity Staffing Canadian Institute of Diversity and Inclusion
Return to Ask Catalyst Express.