Ph.D., Antioch University, 2008, Leadership and Change

Today, many US corporations have made great strides to embrace supplier diversity as a social consideration, and most importantly, as a strategic business enabler. From the earlier years of mandating minority inclusion to the realization that diversifying the supply chain creates value by capitalizing on the diverse background and experiences of minority businesses, supplier diversity has emerged as a major business initiative. It is one of the initiatives that contribute to the welfare of the country by building minority communities and strengthening our society. By developing business coalitions and partnerships with minority suppliers there is tremendous opportunity to impact the economic development of minorities and make significant contributions to the growth and development of our nation. The goal of this research is to apply the Delphi methodology to a research study that identifies the skills and knowledge that marks a professional in supplier diversity in the private sector. Additionally, this study is intended to help shape the future of supplier diversity as a professional entity in the business environment. This research is honoring and advancing the cause and status of supplier diversity professionals who possess the drive and commitment to elevate supplier diversity to a profession. The electronic version of this dissertation is at OhioLink ETD Center, www.ohiolink.edu/etd.

Committee: Jon Wergin PhD (Committee Chair); Laurien Alexandre PhD (Committee Member); Elizabeth Holloway PhD (Committee Member); Melvin Gravely PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: African Americans; Business Community; Business Education; Hispanic Americans; Minority and Ethnic Groups; Multicultural Education; Native Americans