Disability and diversity management: a necessary culture change

Abstract

Changes in our society are the primary drivers of business evolution. ISO 30415/2021 shifts the focus from business operations, products, organisational routines and management to the need for a common language for diversity management. The change must be approached with awareness, becoming a strategic lever. Purpose. The main purpose of the study was to investigate, through literature and company case studies, how diversity is included within companies. Research methods. The literature analysis highlighted the influence that the external environment has on companies and, starting from the 5 competitive forces theory, the stakeholder theory and their evolution, the importance of internalising social changes was understood. The analysis of the statistical data provides a measure of diversity in Italy. To understand the usefulness of the Disability & Diversity manager, it was fundamental to analyse company best practices through the experiences of companies that in terms of message, impact and strategy have best internalised D&I policies. Results. The study also highlighted that to have a change, an evolution of culture is needed whereby companies can learn to dialogue with all types of diversity and to do this, it will be necessary to internalise the change variables. Additionally, companies will have to define D&I strategies that guarantee a satisfactory workplace from which a virtuous circle will arise that will be able to record better business performance and customer loyalty.