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NEW reports says affinity groups on rise

Two-thirds of respondents have women’s networks

CHICAGO -- A new report from the Network of Executive Women says affinity groups are growing in the CPG/retail industry because "they provide new insights and productivity from within."

"Affinity Networks: Building Organizations Stronger Than Their Parts" includes interviews with affinity advocates from Procter & Gamble and Safeway and results of a NEW affinity networks survey conducted earlier this year with Sheryl Koning of Koning Associates. Two-thirds of companies responding to a NEW survey have women’s affinity networks at their organizations, and many have specialized women's affinity networks, including groups for senior management women, women in sales, and women of color.

"Affinity networks are an increasing part of the corporate landscape, and it’s easy to see why," the Network says.  "They require little investment except time and understanding, and provide a multitude of benefits in return. Affinity groups help recruitment and retention; increase morale; provide insights into diverse markets; build bridges to outside communities; reduce grievances and litigation; and empower employees. Affinity groups build bonds between network members and the larger organization and improve coordination among network members themselves."

The 2,500-word report features advice for establishing and advancing affinity networks, including: Engaging the support of management; spreading affinity networks beyond headquarters to involve field offices and even home-based employees; recruiting "passionate people;" identifying each network's purpose and goals; and enlisting understanding sponsors or advisors to guide affinity groups.

Another suggestion from NEW: "Start small -- it is better to focus on tasks that can be accomplished. Once you have a few successes, the team can work their way up to more ambitious goals."

NEW recommends that affinity networks connect with similar groups in their companies.  "The purpose of affinity networks is to eliminate barriers and isolation. Create alliances with other affinity networks to increase your knowledge and influence…Be open -- if you want to open doors, you have to extend the favor to others."

"This Best Practices paper is a key initiative in providing support to our sponsors and fostering change in our industry," said Helayne Angelus, Network president. The Affinity Networks Report is the third in a series of Best Practices whitepapers published by NEW. Earlier reports have focused on gender diversity in management and women of color in management.

For information on how to receive NEW's best practices papers contact NEW Executive Director Joan Toth, jtoth@newonline.org (312) 373-5682.

A growing Network

The Network is supported by its membership and its corporate sponsors: Accenture, Ahold, the Coca-Cola Company, Deloitte & Touche, Johnson & Johnson, the Kellogg Company, Kraft Foods, Nestle Purina, PepsiCo, Inc., Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Wal-Mart, 7-Eleven, the Campbell Soup Company, GSP Marketing Technologies, Johnson O’Hare, The Hershey Company, Leadership Network Corporation, Tyson Foods, ACNielsen, Crown Central, Daymon Worldwide, Del Monte Foods, KPMG, S&D Coffee, Cadbury Adams, ConAgra, CPGjoblist, Giant Eagle, Inc., Hy-Vee, Inc., JB Hunt, the J.M. Smucker Company, MassConnections, Meijer, Morton Salt and Wrigley.

For more information on the Network of Executive Women and its best practices, education, mentoring, networking and leadership development programs, contact Executive Director Joan Toth at (312) 373-5682 or visit www.newonline.org.

Network of Executive Women
c/o Accenture | 161 North Clark Street | Chicago, IL 60601
Tel 312 693-5393 Fax 312 726-4704 | Email jtoth@newonline.org
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