DiversityInc - November/December 2008

They’re scared of
polarizing one group

against the other.

with the executive
sponsor and revisit the
events and messages
so they reflect our
core value of respect
for the individual,
and we ensure that
we’re upholding our
original charter,” notes
Suriel. “Additionally,
we focus on building
education and
awareness to encourage
collaboration.”

part of the ‘invisible’ dimension— what you may not see when you look at a person,” says Pedro Suriel, senior executive in the public-service operating group, who leads several of the company’s inclusion and diversity programs.

Accenture modeled its new Interfaith Group partly after a similar group in the United Kingdom. Participation is strictly voluntary. The group has an executive sponsor who makes sure it stays true to its vision. The company provides it with resources, and each group is responsible for developing high-level guidelines. No one religious group is endorsed. “We’re creating an opportunity for people of various faiths to come together to build awareness of different faiths,” says Suriel.

How can Accenture ensure the group will be inclusive of all employees? “We meet periodically

Christian Groups That Are Inclusive Case Study No. 3:

Toyota Motor Engineering

& Manufacturing North America, Inc.

Another company that has religious employee-resource groups—albeit in a very different manner—is Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., part of Toyota Motor North America. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., has what it calls Business Partner Groups (BPGs). The first

Talking About God, in the company’s Princeton, Ind., facility.

Although these groups are oriented around Bible studies and community outreach, they are open to everyone, regardless of religion. “They have to support the company objectives and goals, which include diversity,” says Charlotte Neal, corporate compliance officer. They also can’t meet during regular working hours unless they are discussing matters pertaining to Toyota.

The Toyota Christian Fellowship group primarily studies the Bible and helps team members who have difficult personal situations as well as giving back to the community by helping low-income people, especially at holiday times.

The group also brings in speakers for all employees who talk about such general but important issues as grieving, parenting and eldercare. The Talking About God group is primarily a Bible-study group.