Is this really necessary?

Every now and the we are asked, is Hispanic Leadership Development really necessary? Should companies think about having "special" initiatives just for Hispanics who want to be in the pipeline and take leadership roles in the future? Why now?

While these are valid questions, the best way to answer them is by realizing Hispanics are not traditionally kept in the forefront by most organizations. According to studies conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center, less than two percent of Fortune 1000 CEOs are Hispanic. As for C-level executives, almost six percent are Hispanic. This tells us a number of things:

1. Not many Hispanics are in consideration for top positions.

2. Not as many Hispanics are interested in top positions.

3. Hispanics are not rising in their organizations as fast as other ethnic groups.

Different reasons are given for such low numbers. Among them, researchers found cultural characteristics seem at the top. For instance, Hispanics as a whole tend to value family unity over long term career prospect so they do not accept relocation as readily as their Caucasian counterparts. Other cultural factors include authority/respect, distance/power, and male/female interactive dynamics.

Matters of professional presence are also cited as 'needing improvement.' This trait alone accounts for almost half of the reasons Hispanics are not selected for top positions, researchers confirm.

If we ask the original question, is this really necessary? The answer is in your capability to properly evaluate, create development program and develop your Hispanic talent while understanding their stumbling-blocks are different than those shown by "mainstream" high potentials. If you can fully resolve idiosyncratic cultural forces and blend your solutions with the majority, then you may not need a dedicated Hispanic Leadership Development solution. However, if you are unaware of the information suggested in this brief article, it may be wise to speak to us about a customized program.

Contact us today for further information.