How would you handle diversity in a retail market you are not familiar with? Example: You want to expand into a new market not in your home state and have the perfect person ready to move but are unsure if it will be a good fit due to the lack of diversity in the area.
Diversity concerns expanding in new markets
Answers
That can be tough, Christie. I would first consider the employee's safety. The truth of the matter is that there are part of the world you wouldn't want to send an employee because of their physical characteristics, religious beliefs, or life choices.
Living in Knoxville, where I do, isn't as much of a problem as it would be in some neighboring counties. For instance, I would advise not sending anyone who wasn't white to be a representative in Union County, Tennessee if they were to manage a territory for a wireless communications company.
Someone moving from San Francisco isn't going to feel as welcomed if they were to move to Knoxville. Just like some people from Knoxville wouldn't be as welcomed in San Francisco.
When considering the new market, consider if there's a city that is more diverse in that state.
There are pockets within all states that aren't accepting of people that are different. Until something supernatural occurs, it isn't going to change. It is best to find the pockets where the employees will thrive. Not only will they thrive, but so will the company.
Filed Under:
FP&A