Hallmark Assessment Task for LEAD 314/Analysis of Organizational Diversity Practices

Hello Everyone,

Below is information regarding our Hallmark Assessment Task for LEAD 314/Analysis of Organizational Diversity Practices (Due by Januray 5, 2022 [by 11:59 p.m.). Your HAT Project is also worth 30% of your overall Course Grade. Please see your HAT Project description below:

Purpose and Process -This project provides you with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you develop in this course in an analysis of a real organization. This could be an organization with which you are personally familiar or an organization that you choose to investigate.To complete the assignment, you will need to complete the “Organizational Snapshot” that is provided in Blackboard. Additionally, you will also interview three employees of the organization who can help provide you with information for this assignment. Each of these employees will also complete the snapshot to provide you with additional reference points. You can also utilize research and outside reference materials.In conducting your interviews and research on this organization, you should consider the interaction between what you’re finding and the concepts, tools, and techniques introduced in your reading assignments and class discussions. In particular, you should consistently rely on ideas from Kennedy(2008) as you conduct this analysis.

Product - The paper should be 2,500-3,000 words, approximately 10-12 pages (not including title pages and references), double spaced, 11-12 point font, and in APA style, and should include the following components (section titles are italicized):

- History. Brief history of organization overall and their approach to diversity. Make sure to include the number of employees, how long the organization has been in business, the industry it operates in, and any other relevant information.

- Assessment. Utilizing the “Organizational Snapshot,” you should provide information on the current state of your organization’s diversity efforts. Briefly describe each area of assessment and consider questions like the following: What is your organization’s official diversity statement?How does it align with the mission of the organization? What initiatives are currently taking place to advance diversity? Make sure you utilize your Organizational Snapshot with your three (3) Interviewees; as they will assist you in developing an "Assessment" of the Organization – per their interviews and completed Organizational Snapshots. Additionally, your research regarding your chosen Organization should be able to assist you with the Assessment Section as well.

- Acceptance. In this section, consider the barriers and benefits to engaging in diversity efforts.For organizations with sophisticated diversity efforts already underway, include what additional initiatives or approaches might be beneficial (continuous improvement). What kinds of leadership capabilities would be necessary in your organization to increase the diversity/inclusion of the workforce?

- Action. Building upon the information you have provided in the first two sections, detail three specific goals related to diversity that your organization should consider undertaking. In detailing these goals, make sure to include the who, what, when, why, where, and how to have a complete description. How would you get people involved in these initiatives? What resources would be needed to put these goals into action?

- Accountability. Now that you have considered some specific diversity goals for the organization,think about who will be responsible for implementing those goals. In this section, you should consider your own role and leadership capabilities even if you are not directly involved in diversity initiatives. What exactly should/can your role be in creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace? Who else can/should be responsible for these types of initiatives and how will accountability be upheld?

- Achievement. This section should focus on measuring results as well as recognizing employees for their efforts. Include the business measures that should be impacted by increased diversity efforts and how those measures will be collected and reported (e.g. turnover, employee satisfaction, productivity, etc.). How will these figures help to tell the story of your proposed diversity goals? Additionally, include information about how to recognize good work and reward progress towards goals.

- More Action. In this section, you are required to think ahead to a future state of your organization. The focus of your discussion should be on how to maintain momentum for diversity and inclusion efforts in the organization. While you would not know if the goals you described in the Action section were met or not, think generally about what kinds of initiatives, processes, or plans might keep employees engaged and moving towards the organization’s diversity goals.