Stephen M. Honig

“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” — Stephen R. Covey

“Diversity” in business means variance in gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability and experience. Few goals are more discussed, and yet so unachieved, as diversity on corporate boards of directors.

Statistics published this spring by the National Association of Corporate Directors are depressing. Discussions on public boards reflect consensus that diversity will “enhance … cognitive diversity” (70 percent); fulfill a moral imperative (49 percent); and be more representative of customers and clients (38 percent).

Even on boards of larger privately owned companies, diversity is viewed as a positive. Still, achieving diversity is painfully slow.

To read the full text of this article by Duane Morris partner Stephen M. Honig, please visit the New England In-House website.