440 represent 11 nationalities an speak 30 languages. Without their diverse employees, they could not have successfully produced or marketed the companys voice-recognition software program. Foreign customers are accounted for approximately half of the fiscal 1995 revenues of more than $10 million, an increase of 30 percent of pre-1994 annual sales of only $5 million (Bloch, 1998, on-line).Johnson Controls, a medical equipment manufacturer, has integrated their efforts at diversity into their extensive vision statement. They have not only included diversity awareness, but have established Diversity Committees to examine their objectives and seek new opportunities for improving the company through diversity efforts (Johnson Controls, 1998, on-line). Their commitment to diversity is evidenced by such efforts as, Inroads, a program that allows Johnson Controls to identify and train young minority talent for leadership through internships and co-op assignments designed to prepare them for corporate and community leadership; Johnson Controls Foundation, supports the company commitment to valuing diversity by financially contributing to cultural and ethnically diverse organizations; Sponsorship to diverse associations via memberships, partnerships, conferences, scholarships, co-ops, advisory services, job fairs, loaned executives, and their mentoring program. An excellent example of a business taking their commitment to diversity into the worldwide arena, is Avon Mexico. Their initiative not only stresses creating career opportunities for women and a culture where women can be successful, but also supports a broad range of womens interests in Mexico including breast cancer research, womens athletics, academic scholarships, and cultural activities. As of 1997, in Mexico, where women make up only 20 percent of the workforce, Avon Mexicos workforce was comprised of 54 percent of the employees and 31 percent of mangers within three reports ...
