Scrapping Women's Quota: SAP's Move Amidst US Pressure and Diversity Debate
Elimination of Women's Quota: SAP Chief Stands Firm on Maintaining Diversity Initiatives
SAP co-CEO Christian Klein has defended the company's decision to scrap the women's quota, quelling criticism. In an interview with Die Zeit, Klein asserted, "We're not ditching our diversity programs, we're just measuring progress on a local level now."
While Europe's software titan has abandoned global goals of a 40% female workforce representation, it's bent on maintaining diversity within its ranks. This decision comes amidst stiff competition with American corporations, adhering to legal requirements. Failing to follow suit, Klein warned, could have cost SAP billions.
Trump's Anti-Diversity Stance
In the States, President Donald Trump has escalated his war against programs fostering diversity, equality, and inclusion. These initiatives are intended to uplift underrepresented groups, but Trump and his Republican Party contend they foster discrimination and impair competence—claims without substantiating evidence.
Klein endorses the value of diversity; nevertheless, he emphasizes SAP's obligation to prioritize its interests. Because SAP manages considerable sectors of software and technology for the US government, it must align with their stringent requirements.
Quota Drop and Implications
The revelation that SAP has dropped its targeted 40% women's quota within its workforce sparked controversy. Moreover, it will cease active promotion of women to executive posts. SAP generated almost a third of its impressive €34.2 billion 2020 revenue from the United States.
Sources: ntv.de, dpa
New revelations suggest SAP jettisoned the quotas due to legal pressure from Trump's administration. Fear of US sanctions and regulatory challenges factored in the decision as well. SAP emphasizes its ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace without the specific gender quotas in the US[1][2][3][4][5].
[1] https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/sap-drops-women-quotas-as-it-tweaks-diversity-stance[2] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sap-women-quotas/exclusive-sap-drops-women-quotas-in-management-could-hit-business-in-us-sources-idUSKCN2LZ2K0[3] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/feb/08/iam-behind-sap-ceo-christian-klein-and-his-scrap-of-women-quotas[4] https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/08/sap-ceo-christian-klein-face-backlash-for-ditching-women-quotas-in-business-plan.html[5] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/sap-women-quotas-dropped-christian-klein-ceo-19267691.html
SAP is focusing on adapting its diversity policies to comply with local requirements, while maintaining a commitment to diversity and inclusion within its organization. The company, under pressure from Trump's administration and US legal requirements, has ceased active promotion of women to executive posts and scrapped the targeted 40% women's quota within its workforce, but continues to invest in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace financially and through technology.
