Richard W. Blackburn
General Counsel
One of Duke Energy Corporation’s core business values is inclusion — valuing diversity and respecting the dignity of each person. At this multinational energy company, inclusion means valuing differences in people and perspectives, building relationships based on mutual trust, and recognizing the contributions of every individual.
In 2002, the company’s progressive diversity initiatives and its championship of diversity at all levels within the organization earned Duke Energy and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rick Priory recognition from Diversity Best Practices as an advocate for diversity.
Diversity is an important part of the company’s commitment to ethical business practices. It is Duke Energy’s belief that in an ever-changing global marketplace, diversity is also smart business.
The company is working hard to create an environment that supports all dimensions of diversity.
Duke Energy utilizes a number of initiatives and policies to help it meet its diversity objectives, with resources dedicated to championing and overseeing diversity activity throughout the company.
The company’s Diversity, Ethics and Compliance department provides leadership and consultation for diversity-related policies and practices. The framework used to deploy such initiatives is tied directly to Duke Energy’s business strategy, and addresses diversity from the perspective of employees, customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders.
The company’s legal department also supports a number of its own initiatives. In 2001, the office of the general counsel, which is led by Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer Richard W. Blackburn, launched Prism, a culture management initiative to enhance access to different ideas and perspectives. The goal of the program was to create an open and caring workplace where differences are acknowledged and respected, individuals valued, and where anyone — regardless of rank in the organization — could be heard.
Results from the company’s 2002 employee survey showed high marks for the office of the general counsel as it pertains to teamwork, valuing individuals, and diversity. Initiatives such as Prism are now being deployed in other areas of the company. Ultimately, because Prism is aligned with Duke Energy’s core values, the same principles defined by Prism will be embraced throughout the organization.
Other programs used to further Duke Energy’s diversity goals include internal action teams and employee resource groups such as the Minority Professional Association. For more than five years, scholarships sponsored by the Minority Professional Association have helped minority students obtain a college education and start a path to success.
From the November/December 2003 issue of Diversity & The Bar®