But these "measurable targets" are adjusted, usually down, according to a person's skin color, gender, or even age, in order to achieve disversity. How is that good business practice for a successful business? I think it isn't. And I also believe it's counterproductive for the existing employees to excel, knowing they have no chance to advance because of their gender, skin color, or age. In the long run, it's bad business practice.
That is confusing a goal with EOE criteria.
"But these "measurable targets" are adjusted, usually down, according to a person's skin color, gender, or even age, in order to achieve diversity. How is that good business practice for a successful business? I think it isn't. And I also believe it's counterproductive for the existing employees to excel, knowing they have no chance to advance because of their gender, skin color, or age. In the long run, it's bad business practice."
It depends on who you are trying to do business with - if you want banking business in the Black or Asian-American communities you need a certain level of Asian faces for credibility.
Women may likewise shy away from doing business with someone they perceive as not hiring women.
And frankly there are plenty of white people who would rather not do business with an entirely black or Asian firm..it's not a coincidence that Japanese automakers have white faces visible.
Are you giving into people's prejudices? Sure. But it's not my job as a business man to fix the world- my job is to make money without breaking the law.