(Photo by metamorworks via AdobeStock)

Background

 Manufacturer wished to tailor implementation of DEI policy to the situation in each country

Global corporations need to roll out strategies and initiatives for human rights and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), taking diverse individuality including ethnicities, cultures, values, genders and disabilities into account.

A global manufacturer had formulated its human rights and DEI policies, and was at the stage of translating these policies into actions around the world. The company’s Asian headquarters (HQ) saw that there was a mismatch between the company policies and the actual situation in the multiple countries it oversees, and was wondering how to implement measures aligned with the polices in different countries.

As EcoNetworks had previously advised on policies from a global perspective when working on policy translation for the head office in Japan, the Asian HQ came to us for advice.

Approach

 Getting an accurate picture and an overview of the situation

We advised the company to take a step-by-step approach to localizing the human rights and DEI policies including researching the situation in each country, listening to experts, and creating educational resources to raise awareness. As a first step, we conducted a survey on the state of DEI in each country.

The key points in the design of the survey were grouping the countries and selecting the right survey items to ascertain the situation accurately. The countries under the Asian HQ are at various stages in terms of how fully DEI is understood and accepted. The countries were classified into three groups using objective indicators including the gender gap index and whether international agreements have been ratified. Using our expertise in human rights and DEI, we then selected the most important survey items to get an accurate picture of the situation.

We also conducted desktop research into DEI-related laws and regulations, governmental policies, gender quotas and employment quotas for people with disabilities, corporate obligations and private sectors’ campaigns and initiatives such as the 30% Club. We produced a summary for each country, taking into account the underlying social factors as well as the survey results, and compiled a report in English. The information in the report was presented using a common framework and format to give an overview of the situation, showing where challenges lie for each country and for Asia as a whole.

Outcome

 Survey results form a basis for discussions with subsidiaries in each country

The client commented that the expertly designed survey and clear and easy-to-understand summaries were very useful. The survey report has been shared with the top management in each country, forming a basis for dialogue and discussion between the Asian HQ and local subsidiaries. Challenges, systems and policies related to human rights and DEI vary hugely from country to country. It is vital to get an accurate picture of the situation in order to identify what the key points and driving forces are in each local area. We hope this survey will lead to effective measures and initiatives.