Marriott International is a leader in the hospitality industry with more than 3,200 lodging properties worldwide and a workforce of more than 146,000 employees working in 55 countries and territories. Its core values include: We Put People First, We Pursue Excellence, We Embrace Change, We Act with Integrity, and We Serve Our World. The company is particularly well known for its commitment to workforce diversity and inclusion. The emphasis on the importance of workforce diversity is reflected in the words of J. W. Marriott Jr., chairman and CEO:

We are broadening how we think about global diversity and inclusion, reaching across cultural borders to compete for customers and talent worldwide. In this competitive marketplace, we must continue to embrace the unique talents and experiences of our employees - who speak more than 50 languages in 66 countries and territories-to help us meet the changing needs of our customers.

Marriott International has been recognized for its commitment to workforce diversity through various industry and business awards including 50 Best Workplaces for Diversity, 10 Best Workplaces for Latinos, 10 Best Workplaces for African Americans, and America's top corporations for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality, where it earned a perfect 100% score on the 2016 Aon Best Employer in Asia Pacific.

Marriott focuses its diversity efforts on a holistic view that includes guests, associates, business owners, and suppliers in all of the places and communities in which it does business. For guests, the company offers its awardwinning \#LoveTravels campaign, which inspires guests to explore their personal passions and to celebrate their unique perspectives and experiences. For associates (employees), Marriott offers a variety of initiatives including the empowerment of its associates to champion diversity and drive inclusion, developing multicultural tools and resources that help managers further understand and build awareness about cultural differences, and engaging with organizations that support and provide opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities. With its suppliers, Marriott has spent more than $\$ 4$ billion to support the development of relationships with thousands of businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, disabled people, and LGBT leaders around the globe. It is also an active corporate member of multinational organizations that support the development of diverse and historically excluded suppliers, such as the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the Women's Business Enterprise. Finally, for business owners, Marriott runs an Ownership Educational Summit for diverse and women business owners to educate them on potential investment opportunities in the industry.

Discussion Questions

1. Why does Marriott International view diversity and inclusion as being important for its business success? 

2. Which types of diversity and inclusion exist in Marriott International's workforce? 

3. How do Marriott International's business practices not reflect an emphasis on affirmative action? 

4. What business practices does Marriott International use to support workforce diversity and inclusion? 

5. Do you think it is a good idea for companies like Marriott International to consider diversity issues when making hiring and promotion decisions, or should these decisions always be made based solely on who is the most qualified person for a job in terms of education, experience, and relevant knowledge and skills? Take a position and support it. 

6. How important would it be to you to work for an employer that has an effective diversity program? Take a position and support it.