White men are an "endangered species" among executives according to Tesco chairman John Allan. This is a man who chairs a board of 11, all of which are white and 8 of which are white men. He says his jaw-dropping statements were meant to be "humorous" and "hyperbolic." but many don't find it funny.
The lack of diversity in the executive levels of UK corporations is no laughing matter. Women and minorities deal with sexism, discrimination and work as hard as their white male counterparts but still lag behind in terms of pay and inclusion in the boardroom. In fact, despite making up a little more than half of the population, women hold a less than 30% of the positions on UK boards.
White men are definitely not an endangered species and to make jokes about a situation that causes very real hardship and pain for many shows a lack of sensitivity.
I want Tesco's John Allan to apologize for his insensitive remarks and to take sensitivity training.
He has said he wants to do more to increase diversity, well he can start by working on himself and changing corporate culture from within.
Let's see if Mr Allan is willing to put his money where is mouth is.
To Tesco Chairman John Allan;
We were disappointed to hear your insensitive remarks about diversity in the work place but believe you when you say the organizations you work with are working to increase end these disparities. Please take the first step in changing corporate culture within Tesco's boardroom and apologize full heartedly for what you said and work to make Tescos a more diverse place to work.
[Your comments here]
Sincerely,
