Diversity versus inclusion: the business case and employee harm
Studies conducted and/or reviewed by Bendick, Egan, and Lanier reveal that so-called "diversity" can be detrimental to the employee, company and customer if diversity is followed in a shortsighted manner. Rather than accept enslavement to "diversity," the authors explore inclusion, "in which all employees are treated fairly and with civility, have equal access to resources and opportunities, and are able to contribute fully to their employers' objectives and thus their own success" through assessment and utilization of the employee's full range of job-specific skills, teaching and enhancement of "cultural competence," training, guided hiring, guided assignments, guided promotions, guided compensation systems and monitored systems holding managers accountable for "inclusion practices and diversity outcomes." As is illustrated by Tesco's case, a company's inclusion/diversity plan can be admirable yet poor unless the plan is carefully plotted and applied.
Economic variables shaping the United States coffee industry
This article examines the economic environment of the coffee industry that has experienced tremendous growth over the last decade and a decline in productivity during the 2009 economic recession. The discussion begins with a description of the industry and the two major categories of operators in this market. The analysis of the economic environment is based on several variables like unemployment rate, tax rates, personal income, stock market values, exchange rates, productivity, minimum wage, and inflation.