Diversity MBA Magazine - April 2008 - (Page 24) TOP 50 COMPANIES — 2–50 17 AstraZeneca International London, UK 67,000 employees www.astrazeneca.com A major international pharmaceutical firm, AstraZeneca’s definition of diversity includes its employees’ various personal skills and qualities in addition to age, race, culture, and gender. Its diversity programs are designed to engage and develop a more diverse and innovative workforce, ensure equal opportunity for advancement, and make the firm more flexible and inclusive while meeting the needs of its customers. The firm uses diversity practices in its recruitment and management efforts, and has committed to a number of programs to help foster diversity. Employee Network Groups in its US locations are made up of AstraZeneca employees who share common interests and goals, and are designed to provide supportive work environments, while enabling networking and offering mentoring opportunities. The company has network groups for all employees to help new employees feel more at home, and strengthen the connection between existing employees to the company and to each other. integrated mail solutions, Pitney Bowes (PB) was a supporter of diversity before it even existed as a formal term. Through its diversity strategic planning process, PB continues to ensure that its recruitment, retention, leadership, community, and supplier diversity efforts address women and people of color. The company actively seeks out relationships with minority-owned businesses, and it has an internal talent management group that is accountable for planning and executing all diversity strategies. PB hosts an annual MBA Leadership Summit, in partnership with its local chapters of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs and the National Black MBA Association. The firm also created the Prism Award, which annually recognizes PB employees whose leadership relative to diversity has created tangible benefits to the company. 20 SunTrust Banks Inc. Atlanta, GA 33,000 employees (E) www.suntrust.com SunTrust Banks Inc. is the holding company for SunTrust Bank, which provides financial services to consumer and corporate customers. It defines diversity as going beyond race or gender, taking the view that a single characteristic, experience, or idea that makes one person similar to or different from another also encompasses the idea of diversity. SunTrust’s Corporate Diversity Council addresses all aspects of company operations to ensure diversity is maintained as a key part of its business strategy. This includes increasing the representation of women and minorities in midto senior-level positions, and promoting management accountability for a diversity-friendly corporate culture. The company believes that by encouraging and fostering diversity, it will be able to increase market share in growing segments, attract and retain the most talented and productive workforce, create an atmosphere of respect and inclusion, create beneficial community relationships, and provide equal business opportunities for minority and women suppliers. 18 Chrysler LLC Auburn Hills, MI 131,200 employees (E) www.chrysler.com One of the “Big Three” US-based automobile/truck manufactures, Chrysler (formerly DaimlerChrysler Corp.) encompasses its namesake brand, Dodge, Mopar, Jeep and Chrysler Financial, a financial services company. It attempts to integrate diversity into every aspect of the business. Chrysler launched its Minority Retail Dealer Development program in 1983 to generate opportunities for Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans and those of Alaskan descent who had expressed a demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit. The program provides assistance to ethnic minority general-manager candidates who have automotive retail experience but lack the sufficient capital to operate and own a dealership. Chrysler helps by recruiting and placing qualified minority general managers into Chrysler Marketing Investment dealerships, so they can eventually become sole dealership owners. The Chrysler Foundation supports hundreds of charitable organizations with an emphasis on community growth and enrichment, arts and culture, education, public policy and youth development programs, and has benefited many minority-based organizations. 21 American Express Co. New York, NY 67,700 employees www.americanexpress.com Initially a delivery alternative to the United States Post Office, Amex is now a major global payments, network and travel company. The firm’s policy is to hire committed, talented employees, which it believes sets it apart from its competition. Over 25% of its management is composed of minorities, and the firm works to create an environment of inclusion where employees - regardless of differences - can reach their fullest potential. This is partially accomplished through several employee w w w. d ive r s it y mb a ma g a z in e. c o m 19 Pitney Bowes Inc. Stamford, CT 36,165 employees www.pb.com A provider of mail-processing equipment and 24 http://www.astrazeneca.com http://www.suntrust.com http://www.chrysler.com http://www.americanexpress.com http://www.pb.com http://www.diversitymbamagazine.com
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