The predominantly white, male managerial workforce of the past has given way to a gender-balanced, multiethnic workforce. Both in the United States and internationally, women today are much more likely than before to be employed full time, have an advanced education, and earn wages comparable to those of men.

In addition, the earnings gap between whites and other racial and ethnic groups in the United States has decreased significantly, partially due to the rising number of minorities in the workforce. These changes also mean organizations must make diversity management a central component of their policies and practices.