Strategic Planning Flashcards

A CEO asks for the 'business case' for diversity. Which evidence is most persuasive in a strategic plan?

Answer: Organization-specific data linking inclusion to outcomes such as retention, innovation, or market reach

Data from your own organization about real outcomes is the strongest argument for investing.

An organization's D&I goals keep stalling after year one. What is the most likely strategic cause?

Answer: No accountability mechanisms tied to leaders' performance

If leaders aren't held accountable, for example through goals, scorecards, or incentives, D&I commitments usually fade.

Which framework helps a diversity executive analyze external Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors?

Answer: PESTLE

PESTLE looks at the outside forces that can affect strategy.

When prioritizing among many possible D&I initiatives with limited budget, the best approach is to:

Answer: Rank initiatives by expected impact and feasibility against strategic goals

An impact-versus-effort ranking puts limited resources where they will do the most for the goals.

In a RACI chart for a D&I initiative, the 'A' role refers to the person who:

Answer: Is ultimately answerable for the outcome and signs off

Accountable means one person owns the final result and has decision authority.

A D&I strategy relies heavily on one-time diversity training. What is the primary strategic weakness?

Answer: One-off training rarely changes behavior or systems without reinforcement and structural changes

Research shows lasting change needs ongoing reinforcement plus changes to processes and systems.

What is the main purpose of piloting a new D&I program before full rollout?

Answer: To test assumptions, gather data, and refine the program while risk is low

A pilot shows whether the program works and lets you adjust it before scaling up.