HP successful with Global Diversity Supplier Program
HP published a list with all important suppliers and will establish binding criteria regarding Diversity aspects for its partners around the globe. Thus the company has conducted 400 audits with the most important suppliers worldwide. In the EMEA region HP works closely with the Copenhagen Centre for Corporate Responsibility and the Copenhagen Business School in order to train suppliers from the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland on how to manage a company according to HP’s social and ecological principles. In South Africa, the supplier diversity program is part of HP’s strategy to comply with Black Economic Empowerment regulations.
With its supplier Diversity program HP wants to achieve more Diversity within the supply chain. The promotion of Diversity among its suppliers brings fresh ideas, offers innovative products and processes, and contributes to the economic strength of their communities, says HP. Furthermore the reflection of the Diversity in the customer base also presents an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage for HP. Large enterprise customers increasingly have their own citizenship policies and expect companies to demonstrate a commitment to diversity. For example, many public bids for the 2012 Olympics in London require evidence of supplier Diversity. Evidence of Diversity may be required in requests for proposals as well as in ongoing communication with existing customers. Some companies even request that Diversity be included in quarterly reports.
