Abstract

This case study is about the initiatives taken by Ireland-based global consulting company Accenture Plc. (Accenture) for its women employees. The case highlights how the firm went out of its way to further the cause of its women employees while maintaining a high performance level. Industry observers were of the opinion that Accenture’s emphasis on an inclusive environment had helped it achieve high performance levels. The firm saw a rapid increase in the number of women employees, given its various measures to attract, retain, and grow this section in its workforce. Studies carried out by the firm had revealed that women employees were willing to work hard on developing their skill sets in order to achieve their career objectives. However, women faced a large number of issues that called for measures on various fronts. This case is meant for MBA students as a part of the Organizational Behavior / Strategic Human Resource Management curriculum.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Gain some key insights into women employees.
• Understand the issues and challenges related to promoting diversity and taking up the cause of women employees in the organization.
• Appreciate the linkage between the various measures taken by the firm and the consequent improvement in the diversity of the firm.
• Study the various initiatives adopted by Accenture to achieve this.
• Explore ways in which the women’s initiatives could be made more effective for meeting the future requirements of the firm.

Keywords

Workforce diversity, Innovative training, Women Leadership Development program, Visible Career Progression Model, Mentoring, Virtual workshops, Career objective, Career advancement, Career enhancement, Career planning, Career paths, Job satisfaction, Flexible working, Work-life balance, Glass Ceiling, Accenture