Discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are center stage in many organizations. This conversation is not new–it’s just that DEI is a topic on which attention ebbs and flows. When inequities and bad behavior risk or damage individual or organizational reputation, microscopic focus ensues. When things seem to rock along smoothly, focus moves elsewhere. Organization leaders pledge hundreds of millions of dollars to commission studies, launch training sessions, and hire consultants and diversity czars. But is it working? Some experts argue that, despite decades of hand wringing, costly initiatives, and uncomfortable conversations, organizations have, apart from a few exceptions, fallen far short of their goals.¹  

Renewed interest in DEI has prompted organization leaders to reflect on the progress (or lack of progress) they have made with these efforts. As one Wall Street Journal article states, “It’s time to move from saying, “We need to do this“ to asking “What are we doing with this?”² Showing the value of DEI investments can be challenging for some professionals. This session will describe how to measure the value, including ROI, of DEI programs. 

Objectives
After attending this session, participants should be able to:

1. Identify the five levels of outcomes from DEI programs
2. Explain the need to deliver impact and ROI for selected DEI programs
3. Design DEI programs to deliver application, impact, and ROI
4. Plan the next steps to ensure DEI programs delivers value

Patti P. Phillips, Ph.D., is the co-founder and CEO of ROI Institute, Inc., a US-based consulting firm that serves for-profit, not-for-profit, government, and non-governmental organizations in 70 countries as they build capability in measurement, evaluation, and human capital analytics using the ROI Methodology®. An internationally recognized leader in measurement and analytics, her expertise is documented in more than 50 published books and business journals. 

Patti, along with her business partner and husband, Jack Phillips, received the 2024 Thought Leader Award from the Association of Learning Providers. They also received the 2022 Association for Talent Development Thought Leader Award and the 2019 Center for Talent Reporting Distinguished Contributor Award. In 2019, she was named among the top 50 coaches globally by the Thinkers50 organization and named a finalist for the Marshall Goldsmith Distinguished Achievement Award for Coaching. Patti serves as the vice chair and finance committee member of the United Nations Institute of Training and Research board of trustees; co-chair of the Institute for Corporate Productivity People Analytics Board; Senior Adviser for The Conference Board; Chair-elect of the International Federation of Training and Development Organizations, and board member of the International Society for Performance Improvement.