Nike Synopsis

Brief synopsis

For the purpose of this paper, I have examined the company Nike, Inc. and have investigated the extent to which it appeared to be fully dedicated to building, supporting and nurturing it’s diverse workforce. Over the past few years, the subject on diversity has gained increased attention in the workplace. According to (Robbins & Judge, 2016, p.17), diversity is the “degree to which members of the group are similar to, or different from, one another”. My findings show that Nike is a company that is dedicated to diversity. For me, Nike, Inc. mission statement says it all. “Bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world”(http://about.nike.com). Their mission statement alone says a lot about diversity and inclusion. Nike, Inc. is the largest seller of athletic footwear and apparel. In their Corporate Responsibility Report FY07-09, it is stated that Nike, Inc. employs more than 33,000 people across the globe. Nike sells products in more than 180 countries worldwide. (Nike, Inc., 2015a). In 2006, NIKE, Inc. appointed its first Vice President of Diversity. A new global diversity and inclusion team was formed to focus on three areas, which are: Engaging Employee, Providing Business Consultation, Developing Innovative Tools, Models and Designs. (Nike, Inc., 2015b).

I believe Nike, Inc. ‘s approach to focus on culture and innovation is effective. The company supports six employee networks a Global Women's Leadership Council, and several councils that encourage cultural understanding and awareness and employee growth. These include: Asia Pacific Employee and Friends Network, Black Employees and Friends Network, Disabled Employees and Friends Network, Gay Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Friends Network, Native American and Friends Network, Global Women’s Leadership Council. (Nike, Inc. 2015b).

Nike, Inc.'s vision is to create a culture of open innovation. Nike, Inc. is aware that exceptional teams are comprised of people with various backgrounds, perspectives and skill sets. In their fiscal year 0f 2005/2006, the company shared information about the development of their approach to diversity and inclusion. At Nike, Inc., diverse viewpoints are welcomed and leveraged. (Nike, Inc. 2015c). Nike, Inc. also gave its employee a chance to express their point of view about diversity and inclusion. Their responses were around the world centered on four themes that build a strong business case for diversity. They are: Diversity drives recruitment of the most dynamic people, diversity enriches the creativity and innovation that shapes the brand, Diversity grows our competitive advantage, diversity heightens the stature and belief in the brand within our culturally diverse consumer base. (Nike, Inc. 2015c).

Nike, Inc. is aware that individual characteristics such as gender, race, age, ethnicity and abilities can influence their employees’ performance. As noted on the Company’s corporate responsibility report’s website, Nike, Inc. employs half male and half female globally however in FY09, it employed slightly more female than male in Europe and Middle East and Africa. In their overall management, gender, gender was 40 percent women and 60 per cent male (Nike, Inc., 2015d).

As far as ethnicity, the latest report done in FY09 showed that 55% of Nike’s employees are white (non-Hispanic) and 45% was shared amongst African American, Hispanic, pacific Islanders, and Americans Indian. (Nike, Inc., 2015d).