Nineteenth International Conference on Knowledge, Culture, and Change in Organizations

Abstract

Organisations are transforming to create better strategy, better risk management and better outcomes however what is overlooked is diversity of thinking for the future. The challenge for today’s organisations is that they find themselves facing adversity rather than diversity. The fast-changing demographics, changing workplace identity and changing attitude lends itself to challenging situations. In 2017 Qantas delivered record profits of AUD$850 million unlike in 2013, the situation couldn’t be more different whereby Qantas had a record loss in the airline. Fast-forward to 2017, CEO Alan Joyce attributes the monumental turnaround to “a very diverse environment and very inclusive culture.” While most business leaders now believe having a diverse and inclusive culture is critical to performance, they don’t always know how to achieve that goal. By exercising diversity of thinking behind a basic formula of Diversity + Inclusion = better business outcomes, organisations can drive employee and customer engagement. Better business outcomes unpin a relationship-centered approach. Valuing and managing diversity is to understand, value and work with diverse people for the mutual benefit of individuals, groups and to organisation to improve desirable outcomes.