4. What steps should management take to ensure that the consulting pairs approach is working?

Is this situation uncommon? Not at all. In the last decade, however, it has become increasingly apparent that appropriate management of a diverse workforce is critical for organizations that seek to improve and maintain their competitive advantage. Focusing on diversity and looking for more ways to be a truly inclusive organization—one that makes full use of the contributions of all employees—is not just a nice idea; it is good business sense that yields greater productivity and competitive advantage. Although Denny’s Corporation had to experience and settle several costly discrimination cases to begin to see the value in managing diversity, today Denny’s serves as an example of what other organizations should strive for in the way of diversity. Half of its Board of Directors as well as half of its senior-management team members are women or other minorities, along with 14 percent of African-Americans and 33 percent of Hispanics among its 25,000 company employees. As of 2008, 123 minority franchisees collectively own 44.3 percent of all Denny’s restaurants, representing 43 percent of all Denny’s franchise restaurants. 100 The company has won many awards and justifiable praise from numerous media outlets for its genuine efforts to make diversity a part of the very fabric of its business.