This study examined the perspectives of both employees and senior managers in
one organization to determine if the communication between advisory panels
representing diverse groups of employees and senior managers resulted in a
shared understanding and commitment to diversity. An analysis of interview
transcripts revealed a shared agreement among the majority of the participants
regarding the advisory role of the panels. In addition, raising the sensitivity of
senior managers, increasing career advancements for women and minorities,
and improving interpersonal relationships were identified as positive effects,
while a small group of participants thought that the panels had led to resent
ment of diverse groups.
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