EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP, NOT HR, SHOULD DRIVE DIVERSI

LOS ANGELES, May 21 /PRNewswire/
Globalization and Increase of Women and Minorities in the WorkplaceResult in Significant Number of Korn/Ferry Searches Including MinorityCandidates -More than two-thirds (68 percent) of executive recruiters say diversityhiring efforts should be spearheaded by top company leadership, according tointernational recruiters who completed the latest edition of the quarterlyExecutive Recruiter Index, released today by Korn/Ferry International(NYSE: KFY), a premier global provider of talent management solutions. Thisoverwhelming trend reflects the importance of diversity hiring practices intoday's competitive market for talent.Other champions of diversity, according to global recruiters, include thecompany's board of directors (13 percent) and the human resources department(11 percent).Additionally, nearly half of recruiters (46 percent) reveal that minoritycandidates are present in 25-75 percent of their executive searches. Morethan one-fifth of recruiters (21 percent) report that diversity candidateshad been included in three-quarters or more of their recent engagements."The recognition of diversity as an effort that needs to start in theC-suite and permeate throughout every level of the organization shows great progress," said Bob Damon, president of North America for Korn/FerryInternational. "As globalization continues to shape the workplace, ourclients are seeking executive leadership who not only reflect today's talentpool, but who also understand the social and cultural nuances of varyingmarkets."Almost half (49 percent) of recruiters attribute the increased visibilityaround diversity issues to globalization, while another 30 percent cite theincreased presence of women and minorities in the workplace as the leadingreason.Lastly, nearly 9 out of 10 recruiters (85 percent) agree that companiesthat have successful diversity programs in place enjoy a competitiveadvantage in the marketplace. Effective diversity programs provide a morerobust talent pool for organizations around the world, allowing them toattract and retain more top talent amidst today's shortage of skilledprofessionals.MethodologyThe Executive Recruiter Index is based on a quarterly survey of 228Korn/Ferry International consultants, who serve the world's largestcorporations and not-for-profit organizations. This survey was conductedonline within the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africafrom March 14-28, 2008.About Korn/Ferry InternationalKorn/Ferry International, with more than 80 offices in 39 countries, is apremier global provider of talent management solutions. Based in Los Angeles,the firm delivers an array of solutions that help clients to identify,deploy, develop, retain and reward their talent.

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