Employee Resource Group Excellence: Grow High Performing Ergs to Enhance Diversity, Equality, Belonging, and Business Impact - Hardcover

by Robert Rodriguez (Author)

Unlock the potential of employee resource groups with advice from an accomplished industry thought leader

In Employee Resource Group Excellence, renowned management and diversity expert Dr. Robert Rodriguez delivers a comprehensive exploration of the current state of employee resource groups (ERGs) in corporate America and a step-by-step roadmap to elevating their performance.

The book draws on the author's extensive experience in consulting with America's most well-known companies to discuss successful and current ERG initiatives in corporations, universities and nonprofits, as well as ERG efforts being undertaken outside the United States. You'll also discover:

• In-depth case studies highlighting ERG best practices, current trends and metrics
• Common pitfalls and mistakes that derail ERGs from achieving their goals
• Insights from the "The 4C Assessment," the only ERG evaluation tool on the market today that has been completed by over 250 corporations and which examines the ERG pillars of careers, culture, community, and commerce

Perfect for Chief Diversity Officers, ERG program managers, and ERG leaders in companies of all kinds, Employee Resource Group Excellence is also a must-have resource for HR professionals and other corporate executives interested in unlocking the full potential of these powerful groups as they strive to reach excellence.

Front Jacket

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led organizations that aim to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace aligned with a company's values, goals, and objectives. Very often, however, these groups wind up being known as the "food, flags, and fun" groups, because of their tendency to focus on social events above all else. They are, however, capable of so much more.

In Employee Resource Group Excellence: Grow High Performing ERGs to Enhance Diversity, Equality, Belonging, and Business Impact, renowned management and diversity consultant Dr. Robert Rodriguez delivers an exhaustive look at the current state of ERGs in corporate America. Leveraging his extensive experience in diversity consulting with over 300 companies, the author explores the gaps that must be closed in order to elevate ERGs for greater value.

Employee Resource Group Excellence draws on assessment data gleaned from almost 200 corporations to identify key insights, trends, and correlations that help differentiate top-tier and high performing ERGs from ERGs that have minimal impact. Through first-hand experience, analysis, and assessment findings, the author shares his insightful recommendations on how to unleash the potential hidden within ERGs in the U.S. business community.

The book offers readers in-depth interviews with diversity executives, HR practitioners, and ERG leaders that highlight best practices and current trends, as well as common pitfalls and mistakes that derail ERGs and prevent them from achieving high-level results. Finally, the author highlights the "4C Assessment^(TM)," the only ERG diagnostic tool on the market today that assesses the pillars of careers, community, culture, and commerce.

Ideal for Chief Diversity Officers and ERG leaders, Employee Resource Group Excellence also belongs in the libraries of human resources professionals and other corporate executives who seek to unlock the full potential of these powerful groups.

Back Jacket

Praise for Employee Resource Group Excellence

"Dr. Robert Rodriguez has been a trusted advisor, and major asset, to us in the area of ERGs by providing Facebook with critical guidance, strategic insights and creative solutions. His deep expertise and credibility are why he is such a sought-after diversity leader and influencer."

--Barbara Furlow-Smiles, Global Diversity & Inclusion Engagement Leader, Facebook, Inc.

"Dr. Robert Rodriguez has written a must-read primer for anyone considering an ERG leadership role. Extraordinary insights and guidance! Read this book--and learn from the best in the business."

--Mariana Fagnilli, Vice President, Global Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Liberty Mutual Insurance

"I have seen the power that ERGs have to meaningfully energize people, strengthen connections, and promote transformation. Dr. Rodriguez knows better than anyone in business how to curate, organize and resource these individual organizational assets. This book is both a must-have and a gift to anyone trying to achieve ERG excellence."

--Shannon Trilli Kempner, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Diversity & Inclusion, Catalent Pharma Solutions

"Dr. Rodriguez's 4C ERG strategic framework is a best-in-class model for moving towards ERG excellence. The 4C Model creates employee resource groups that are business-focused and impactful to business results."

--Jessica Rice, Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Under Armour

"ERGs are one of the first elements of a diversity and inclusion strategy most organizations kick-off on their journey towards greater equity. Robert's knowledge, research, and actionable recommendations ensures that ERGs are set up for success and benefit both the employees and also the organization. Don't try to launch ERGs without the expertise and guidance provided by Dr. Rodriguez in this book."

--Bo Young Lee, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Uber Technologies, Inc.

Author Biography

Dr. ROBERT RODRIGUEZ is the Founder and President of DRR Advisors, LLC, a diversity consulting firm. Dr. Rodriguez specializes in employee resource group optimization and Latino talent management programs. He is a trustee on several non-profit boards. He previously held leadership roles in corporate America and academia, and is the author of three books.