USAID is creating a workplace environment where every employee is valued and accepted, where management practices are inclusive rather than exclusive, and where differences are not only accepted but are utilized to strengthen Agency performance.

WHY DOES USAID PLACE SUCH EMPHASIS ON VALUING DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE?

USAID's success as an organization depends on having a multicultural workforce that works effectively with diverse global customers, stakeholders and partners. USAID is dedicated to global improvement of the quality of human life. To deliver quality programs abroad, the Agency must ensure a workplace environment in which each employee values the diversity, experience, and contributions of others. Every employee must have the opportunity to contribute to the full extent of his or her ability on SO Teams and other settings.

Our best efforts to create effective teams, to empower employees and to manage for results are undermined if USAID does not promote and operate in a diverse environment. It is a business necessity that team members have a common understanding of the value of diversity, and be able to recognize, accept and utilize human differences in working to meet customer needs. This is critical to the successful execution of our functions. Continued success requires that USAID's workforce, in Washington and overseas, understand the synergy and benefits of bringing together people of different backgrounds and skills to accomplish the Agency's mission.

Valuing diversity is demonstrated within the Agency by the way teams are composed and, more importantly, by the way program decisions are made. For example, are discussions on vision and problem analysis conducted with a broad and diverse audience? Do team decisions respect all members' input regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, and organizational status?