SUPPLY CHAIN D & I
A diverse and inclusive supply chain typically includes businesses that are at least 51 % owned and operated by individuals from minority groups , women , LGBTQ + people , people with disabilities and other historically underrepresented communities .
When it operates effectively , it fans out to increase representation in the business world , fostering change in large corporations and promoting a culture where diversity is the norm at every level of business .
Right for society : right for business It is not possible to overemphasise how beneficial it is to embed diversity and inclusion into a business .
Andrea Hendrickx , Country Head – Germany at Infosys , says : “ In the context of sustainability , supply chain diversity and inclusion play a pivotal role .
“ By embracing a diverse and inclusive supply chain , organisations foster innovation , creativity and resilience .
It brings with it a multitude of perspectives , ideas and solutions that can go towards addressing complex sustainability challenges .”
The benefits of supply chain diversity and inclusion are numerous .
Research has shown that companies with a strong and diverse supplier network generated a 133 % greater procurement return on investment than the average comparable firm . This equated to an extra US $ 3.6m to their bottom line for every US $ 1m in procurement operation costs .
Diverse suppliers are also often better positioned to help companies mitigate supply chain risks and aid resiliency , by providing access to a wider range of technologies , expertise and innovative solutions .
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