Article Check - Business

Open Mouth, Insert Foot!
It seems to happen every week: someone is caught saying something that they immediately wish they could take back. Even seasoned professionals like Don Imus say things they wish they hadn’t.While Imus said that he used those infamous three words “as a joke,” most people certainly didn’t think it was a laughing matter. In our view, the situation was made worse because virtually every time the media reported on the incident, they repeated those three words. It was truly a story that took on a life of its own, for several reasons. First, the apologies didn’t really seem sincere. Pointing out that it was intended as a joke in essence placed the blame on those who “misunderstood” his innocent comments rather than on Imus.Second, Imus’ employer was very delayed in its response to the situation. And, while they said that their decision to suspend, then terminate, his employment was based

he process, a few things have become clear:

1. It is important that diversity is defined to include all differences. If you limit the definition to visible difference, for instance, you could overlook opportunities to benefit from a diversity strategy. For example, some organizations, who serve and are comprised of mostly women, people of color, or the differently-abled, may begin to think that their "majority minority" makeup means that effective management of diversity is achieved. As long as there are two or more people of any type working together, the principles of managing diversity represent an opportunity for increased productivity, improved relationships, and more fun.

2. When training is the first and only thing done, people have no context for wanting to appreciate difference. They naturally wonder, why are we doing this? Why was I invited? Have I done s

Credit Card Fraud Prevention - Err on the Side of Caution
There is a small, yet palpable inherent risk in accepting credit cards. Aside from chargebacks, there always exists a possibility that a given credit card is stolen or presented without any authorization to use from the card holder. Even veteran merchants, processing for decades, can recount incidents where they have sent out product, subsequently learning that they have been victimized by credit card fraud.One day, I received a phone call from one of our retail merchants who sells furniture. She explained that she received a credit card from a so-called customer that was declined. This customer then presented a different credit card with the same result: transaction declined. The owner’s intuitive feeling was that “something was not right” – the customer may simply be over-extended, surpassing his credit card limits, or simply trying to engage in an act of deception.The business

*Diversity refers to the broad mix of people currently or soon to be a part of your organization. It exists whenever you encounter anyone who has a view of the world, or "paradigm", different from your own.
**Managing diversity is a deliberate effort to create a work environment that allows these differences to contribute equally to the common goals of the organization.
Managing diversity emerged as a key strategic issue in the1990's. Unfortunately, for some, it has also emerged as the latest new management fad. As such, there has been a lot a talk recently about the value of diversity training. After all, several companies took a pioneering approach to diversity and were among the first to "do something" to address the issue. Typically, the “something” they tended to latch onto was diversity awareness training. In fact, these companies are now in their second or third year of awareness training on diversity.
Diversity training is certainly a necessary part of any diversity initiative, but it is not the only part. How often have you attended a really outstanding training session and have been really turned on by the experience, only to return to the workplace and face the same mess you left. What usually happens is the glow of the training experience quickly fades as you face the reality of your work environment. There has to be more.
Recently, many organizations have begun to recognize the value of implementing diversity as a business strategy. Many large corporations (The Prudential Insurance Company, Hewlett-Packard, Alabama Gas Corporation), governmental agencies (Department of Transportation, U.S. Postal Service) and professional associations (bankers, insurance industry, utility executives) are beginning to understand how diversity affects their mission. In fact, many large non-profit service organizations (United Way, Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity) have also adopted a diversity strategy as part of their plan for success.
Why is diversity on the agenda of so many organizations? Because things have changed. The people served by these organizations have changed. The people working for them have changed. The emerging leadership of these organizations has changed. Not only are they more diverse physically, mentally, and by background, but their values differ greatly. The challenge of the 90's and beyond has now become how to manage diversity so that we continue to get world class results from a team of people with different paradigms and different expectations. The opportunity is simple: if we learn to do it well, we not only survive, we succeed.
A strategic approach to issues of diversity involves such things as executive attention; assessing the attitude, culture, success criteria, and expectations of the organization; establishing a Diversity Action Council to help the organization through the change process, reviewing and changing the policies, practices, rules, and rewards; and, training for awareness, management skills, and career development.
Thinking of diversity as a strategic asset allows you to approach it boldly and systematically. A strategic approach means we can safely challenge the existing paradigm of the organization and introduce new thinking about people. Understanding diversity as a strategy means recognizing the "intent" as well as the "content" of the process.
Managing diversity as a discipline has only been around for five or so years. We have just begun to learn how to overcome the fear and reluctance to address the issue. In the process, a few things have become clear:
1. It is important that diversity is defined to include all differences. If you limit the definition to visible difference, for instance, you could overlook opportunities to benefit from a diversity strategy. For example, some organizations, who serve and are comprised of mostly women, people of color, or the differently-abled, may begin to think that their "majority minority" makeup means that effective management of diversity is achieved. As long as there are two or more people of any type working together, the principles of managing diversity represent an opportunity for increased productivity, improved relationships, and more fun.
2. When training is the first and only thing done, people have no context for wanting to appreciate difference. They naturally wonder, why are we doing this? Why was I invited? Have I done so
Managing the Union at Your Workplace
As management members and business owners we detest dealing with unions in our businesses. Unfortunately, the government has allowed people to collectively bargain for compensation & wages, benefits and terms of employment. This leaves many companies at a loss for an effective labor relations strategy.Unions are on the decline due to the constricting of the U.S. economy and the slowing of the manufacturing sector. Since the union’s traditional base is disappearing they have been seeking new business by unionizing hospitals, food & service workers, hotels, etc. This push by unions to increase business and expand their membership has forced many companies to become less efficient and more costly to manage.In most unionized environments there are four steps in a grievance procedure. The first step is typically handled by the direct supervisor, the second step is handled by the head o
r second or third year of awareness training on diversity.
Diversity training is certainly a necessary part of any diversity initiative, but it is not the only part. How often have you attended a really outstanding training session and have been really turned on by the experience, only to return to the workplace and face the same mess you left. What usually happens is the glow of the training experience quickly fades as you face the reality of your work environment. There has to be more.
Recently, many organizations have begun to recognize the value of implementing diversity as a business strategy. Many large corporations (The Prudential Insurance Company, Hewlett-Packard, Alabama Gas Corporation), governmental agencies (Department of Transportation, U.S. Postal Service) and professional associations (bankers, insurance industry, utility executives) are beginning to understand how diversity affects their mission. In fact, many large non-profit service organizations (United Way, Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity) have also adopted a diversity strategy as part of their plan for success.
Why is diversity on the agenda of so many organizations? Because things have changed. The people served by these organizations have changed. The people working for them have changed. The emerging leadership of these organizations has changed. Not only are they more diverse physically, mentally, and by background, but their values differ greatly. The challenge of the 90's and beyond has now become how to manage diversity so that we continue to get world class results from a team of people with different paradigms and different expectations. The opportunity is simple: if we learn to do it well, we not only survive, we succeed.
A strategic approach to issues of diversity involves such things as executive attention; assessing the attitude, culture, success criteria, and expectations of the organization; establishing a Diversity Action Council to help the organization through the change process, reviewing and changing the policies, practices, rules, and rewards; and, training for awareness, management skills, and career development.
Thinking of diversity as a strategic asset allows you to approach it boldly and systematically. A strategic approach means we can safely challenge the existing paradigm of the organization and introduce new thinking about people. Understanding diversity as a strategy means recognizing the "intent" as well as the "content" of the process.
Managing diversity as a discipline has only been around for five or so years. We have just begun to learn how to overcome the fear and reluctance to address the issue. In the process, a few things have become clear:
1. It is important that diversity is defined to include all differences. If you limit the definition to visible difference, for instance, you could overlook opportunities to benefit from a diversity strategy. For example, some organizations, who serve and are comprised of mostly women, people of color, or the differently-abled, may begin to think that their "majority minority" makeup means that effective management of diversity is achieved. As long as there are two or more people of any type working together, the principles of managing diversity represent an opportunity for increased productivity, improved relationships, and more fun.
2. When training is the first and only thing done, people have no context for wanting to appreciate difference. They naturally wonder, why are we doing this? Why was I invited? Have I done s
Advantages of Online Internet Business
Is your business online? If not, probably you’ll make it online. Internet business is a powerful communication and business tool for small and large business. Today most of the businesses own a website, and you should own a one to make a great positive impact in your business. Internet has changed the life style of the people. Technology has leveraeged business functions. This article will tell you about the advantaes of online internet business.Online business system will help small businesses to reach at the great height. There are many advantages of going online, but before going online one has to take appropriate steps and have to create a strategic approach to make business globally viewable through internet. Setting up an online business is not an easy task and a one time process it requires a lot of time and effort with smart strategies. There are many advantages of starting up an
to understand how diversity affects their mission. In fact, many large non-profit service organizations (United Way, Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity) have also adopted a diversity strategy as part of their plan for success.
Why is diversity on the agenda of so many organizations? Because things have changed. The people served by these organizations have changed. The people working for them have changed. The emerging leadership of these organizations has changed. Not only are they more diverse physically, mentally, and by background, but their values differ greatly. The challenge of the 90's and beyond has now become how to manage diversity so that we continue to get world class results from a team of people with different paradigms and different expectations. The opportunity is simple: if we learn to do it well, we not only survive, we succeed.
A strategic approach to issues of diversity involves such things as executive attention; assessing the attitude, culture, success criteria, and expectations of the organization; establishing a Diversity Action Council to help the organization through the change process, reviewing and changing the policies, practices, rules, and rewards; and, training for awareness, management skills, and career development.
Thinking of diversity as a strategic asset allows you to approach it boldly and systematically. A strategic approach means we can safely challenge the existing paradigm of the organization and introduce new thinking about people. Understanding diversity as a strategy means recognizing the "intent" as well as the "content" of the process.
Managing diversity as a discipline has only been around for five or so years. We have just begun to learn how to overcome the fear and reluctance to address the issue. In the process, a few things have become clear:
1. It is important that diversity is defined to include all differences. If you limit the definition to visible difference, for instance, you could overlook opportunities to benefit from a diversity strategy. For example, some organizations, who serve and are comprised of mostly women, people of color, or the differently-abled, may begin to think that their "majority minority" makeup means that effective management of diversity is achieved. As long as there are two or more people of any type working together, the principles of managing diversity represent an opportunity for increased productivity, improved relationships, and more fun.
2. When training is the first and only thing done, people have no context for wanting to appreciate difference. They naturally wonder, why are we doing this? Why was I invited? Have I done s
Are Your Policies Driving Your Customers Crazy?
Are you inadvertently driving your customers crazy with your company policies? Not sure?Well, imagine that a customer who's been with your company for a while with no complaints finally has a reason to contact customer service because of what appears to be a billing error. She assumes the error will be corrected quickly and she'll go on her way.Instead, your customer service rep recites a convoluted procedure she'll need to go through to rectify the issue, much to the customer's astonishment. The representative explains by saying, "I'm sorry, but that's our policy and we have to follow it."That procedure might be driven by an arcane control issue in your company -- or perhaps by a legitimate business requirement. But the customer doesn't understand the rationale behind it. In this imaginary scenario, she tries to offer suggestions, but is rebuffed by the equally frustrated
f diversity involves such things as executive attention; assessing the attitude, culture, success criteria, and expectations of the organization; establishing a Diversity Action Council to help the organization through the change process, reviewing and changing the policies, practices, rules, and rewards; and, training for awareness, management skills, and career development.
Thinking of diversity as a strategic asset allows you to approach it boldly and systematically. A strategic approach means we can safely challenge the existing paradigm of the organization and introduce new thinking about people. Understanding diversity as a strategy means recognizing the "intent" as well as the "content" of the process.
Managing diversity as a discipline has only been around for five or so years. We have just begun to learn how to overcome the fear and reluctance to address the issue. In the process, a few things have become clear:
1. It is important that diversity is defined to include all differences. If you limit the definition to visible difference, for instance, you could overlook opportunities to benefit from a diversity strategy. For example, some organizations, who serve and are comprised of mostly women, people of color, or the differently-abled, may begin to think that their "majority minority" makeup means that effective management of diversity is achieved. As long as there are two or more people of any type working together, the principles of managing diversity represent an opportunity for increased productivity, improved relationships, and more fun.
2. When training is the first and only thing done, people have no context for wanting to appreciate difference. They naturally wonder, why are we doing this? Why was I invited? Have I done s
Business Debt Settlement - Choosing the Right Service Provider for Business Debt Settlement
Accumulating debt is a part of starting and running a venture. Every enterprise has some debt to suppliers, and many owe mortgages for their office or retail space. Maintaining a certain level of business debt can even be healthy for your credit rating, when good-sized payments are regularly made.But what happens when these payments become fewer and farther in between because the business is no longer generating enough income? Do you, as an entrepreneur consider filing a Chapter 11 business bankruptcy? Isn’t there a better, less drastic solution that will do less harm to your credit rating and business reputation?Fortunately there is. With business debt settlement, a negotiated settlement can be made with all of your creditors to reduce the amount of unsecured financial obligations. This form of financial relief is aimed only at unsecured loans and will not be applicable to
he process, a few things have become clear:
1. It is important that diversity is defined to include all differences. If you limit the definition to visible difference, for instance, you could overlook opportunities to benefit from a diversity strategy. For example, some organizations, who serve and are comprised of mostly women, people of color, or the differently-abled, may begin to think that their "majority minority" makeup means that effective management of diversity is achieved. As long as there are two or more people of any type working together, the principles of managing diversity represent an opportunity for increased productivity, improved relationships, and more fun.
2. When training is the first and only thing done, people have no context for wanting to appreciate difference. They naturally wonder, why are we doing this? Why was I invited? Have I done something wrong? Even after the training, you may hear things like, "more white-male bashing", "I already know this stuff, nothing is going to change", or "sounds like the same old stuff (preferential programs) with a new label."
These concerns can be overcome by introducing diversity as a strategic initiative, explaining why it makes sense and demonstrating how it supports business goals. Integrating diversity into all human resource strategies, such as mentoring or succession planning programs, can send a loud signal that the company "means business."
3. An organization must be in a state of "readiness" to effectively implement a diversity strategy. Readiness includes having a top leader, either the CEO or executive director, who is both committed and vocal. Other key players (both formal and informal leaders) must be well-educated about the strategic significance of diversity as a business issue. Otherwise conscious or even unconscious sabotage is almost predictable. When people raise questions about the process or refuse to allow themselves or their associates to participate, the leaders must be prepared to answer concerns and objections appropriately and quickly.
4. When offered an opportunity, people genuinely want to know more about "treating others like they want to be treated". People in all types of jobs have proven capable and willing to deal with diversity as a business asset. Most desire to narrow their "trust gap" with others, especially with the leadership of the organization. More than anything though, people are looking for signs that this is not just a passing fad.
5. The three biggest barriers to effectively managing diversity are: #3) stereotypes (beliefs about a group applied to an individual), #2) ethnocentrism (belief that my way is the only right way), and #1) poor management skills (inability to recognize, appreciate, and capitalize on individual differences).
6. Organizations who choose to work with a consultant often have a difficult time determining who to hire. It is important to choose wisely. The choice is made with more confidence when an organization is clear that managing diversity is a part of their strategic mix and not just a quick-fix program. Then they look for compatibility, approach, philosophy, experience in their industry, style, and chemistry.
Managing diversity is a journey of continuous discovery about people and the value they bring to organizations and to society.
Diversity is a reality, not a problem. The success of any organization will depend on how well you manage that reality. Those organizations that make managing diversity a part of their business strategy will WIN.

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