Supplier diversity in Indian IT organizations

Abstract

This paper examines the role Supplier diversity programs can play in Indian IT industry to engage big IT corporations in socially responsive procuring initiatives which can lead to the benchmarking of practices of such programs in India. It studies the context within which supplier diversity processes have developed in both the USA and India and how cultural dissimilarities in both countries makes supplier diversity practices to be different. The study goes deep down to list down all possible vulnerable groups present in India and tries to give possible rationale for each group to qualify for diverse group membership. It looks scope of incorporating supplier diversity in the supply chain of Indian IT companies. It also talks about possible impacts of such programs on Indian society, economy and organization pursuing supplier diversity. This paper also gives the rationale behind such programs and metrics on which companies should measure success of their programs of supplier diversity. This study reveals that in India supplier diversity is in very early stages of development both in IT industry and in other industries and it also lacks institutions which can provide certifications to diverse group suppliers. The paper concludes by giving a recommendation of taking initiatives to improve supplier diversity culture in India.