Supplier Diversity: A Beneficial Component of Corporate Diversity
As consumers become increasingly aware of the economic impact corporations have in their communities, they have begun to insist that corporations hire and do business with people in their community. This study examines the status of supplier diversity programs in corporate America and the benefits of creating and using supplier diversity programs by major corporations. A review of the literature was conducted to identify articles that provided information on key success factors of supplier diversity programs, the role of technology in connecting suppliers with buyers, and successful pioneers of supplier diversity programs. Next an Internet search was used to gather contact information for diversity programs of the top 100 firms on Fortune 500 List, and the 50 Best Companies for Minorities. The results of a field survey is used to ask questions about the corporations perceptions of supplier diversity programs. The hypothesis of the study are that major corporations who use supplier diversity programs will enhance their relationships with the community, and reach out to diverse customers.
School:
Grambling State University
Department:
Marketing
Research Advisor:
William Qualls
Department of Research Advisor:
Marketing
Year of Publication:
2002