NEWS: Women and the Environment

We're always intrigued by the interplay between social issues and environmental sustainability, and so we were especially interested in recent posts from Grist.org and Trendwatching.com about women, purchasing power, and the environment.

Consider these facts:

¨ Consulting firm A.T. Kearney estimates that women determine 80 percent of consumption, purchase 60 percent of all cars, and own 40 percent of all stocks.

¨ Women are up to 15 percent more likely than men to rate the environment a high priority.

¨ Women comprise up to two-thirds of voters who cast their ballots around environmental issues.

¨ Women are more likely than men to volunteer for and give money to environmental causes, especially related to public health.

¨ Women report both more support for environmental activists and more concern that government isn't doing enough.

¨ Women support increased government spending for the environment, while men favor spending cuts.

According to Grist (which sites all of the following survey data), polls also show that about 68 percent of American consumers have gone green, preferring health-conscious and environmentally responsible products. "Since 90 percent of women identify themselves as the primary shoppers for their households, and women sign 80 percent of all personal checks, it's safe to say that women are leading a quiet revolution in green consumerism."

What does this mean for you? If you employ women or sell to women (and we know you do!), then looking at ways to be more environmentally responsible can pay dividends—not just in reduced energy costs and less waste, but also in terms of improved customer loyalty, a strong reputation, and happier employees.

NEWS: Does Diversity Make a Difference?

You bet it does—and the research now proves it.

According to a new report out of the University of Illinois there is a positive correlation between employee diversity and business success. In fact, as diversity increases, so does businesses’ customers, share of market, and profitability.

Another study out of Tufts University suggests that not only do minorities bring different perspectives to a situation but they also seem to cause new thinking among others. Using two different models (mock juries and SAT-style questions), the study revealed that diversity causes groups to think differently, and were more likely to examine a problem from multiple perspectives.

Because the study examines group decision-making in a realistic setting, the findings have potential implications for a variety of contexts--from the classroom to the boardroom, or wherever a premium is placed on fact-finding and reaching a good decision," says Samuel R. Sommers, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology in the School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts University. "Diverse groups show a number of advantages and benefits when it comes to this type of decision making.

We've given you the highlights. Now read the whole report at the Washington Post.