Linda Bond Edwards shared insights about how business and human resource executives could improve organizational policy and management practice in diversity, equity and inclusion during FSU’s Center for Human Resource Management fall advisory board meeting.

“Your current policies ought to lead your organization to a culture where DEI can originate and then thrive,” she said. To illustrate the point, she used the term “Don’t try to boil the ocean,” which she said she heard recently from a leader of a global professional services company.

“I liked it because sometimes I think that’s what organizations try to do,” Edwards explained. “They try to have this all-encompassing program that doesn’t go anywhere. It starts out with a splash, and it becomes a little trickle after a few years. I try to encourage organizations to look at where you are and look at where you want to go.”

Linda mentioned several policy areas companies can pay close attention to such as policies on sexual harassment and whether those policies encourage employees to come forward when they feel victimized. She also encouraged companies to check whether reporting procedures for discrimination and harassment create a culture “where persons who are diverse feel welcome.”

The Center for Human Resource Management stands within Florida State University’s College of Business’s Department of Management, and its advisory board features 21 business and human resource executives who advise the center and the department on the current and emerging nature of human resource management practice. College of Business students and faculty members joined board members for the presentation and discussion. Learn more.