Diversity management: key to future success

Diversity has been a reality for American's health care field for years. Yet, a 1993 study conducted by the American College of Healthcare Executives and the National Association of Health Services Executives found that management opportunities for minorities are often limited; ethnic and racial minorities represent nearly 20 percent of all hospital employees, yet hold only 1 percent of top hospital management positions; and graduate school enrollments and graduation of minorities have declined. The article will set forth the major business implications of diversity management in health care in an increasingly competitive labor market. It will challenge assumptions and provide a blueprint for health care institutions to position themselves as future industry leaders.