Equal-opportunity laws have improved the workplace for blacks, yet opinions remain firm -- and vastly different -- over whether disparities still exist. Janet Reid advises corporations around Greater Cincinnati and the country on diversity programs. A former Procter & Gamble Co. executive, she is principal partner at her own company, Global Lead Management Consulting, with offices in Baltimore and Roselawn.

        Ms. Reid says many studies have shown that diversity puts innovation and creativity into the workplace. She spoke with Enquirer reporter Cliff Peale.

        QUESTION: Over the past decade, has the atmosphere gotten better or worse for an African-American worker in Greater Cincinnati?

        ANSWER: I would say it's gotten better, but there's a tremendous amount of road left to travel.

        What's working well is this: Many companies have diversity initiatives in place. The awareness level of the business case for diversity is strong.

        People know that the customer base has shifted considerably to more minorities. The talent pool has shifted considerably to more minorities. The bottom line is, you cannot even think about getting customers or getting talent just by delving only in the pool of Caucasians anymore.

        We have more minorities at hourly levels. But the higher you go up in the organization on the management side, the fewer there are. It's no longer ''How do you recruit?'' It's ''How do you retain, mentor and advance?''

        Q: How does Greater Cincinnati compare with the rest of the country in diversity and promoting economic opportunity for minorities?

        A: It's really kind of a tale of two cities here. You see minorities at higher levels in the largest companies. But the next frontier is those businesses that are one level down. There's a lot of work to be done there. It's there you'll see a big difference between this region and New York or California.

        Q: Has the April violence hindered the ability of Cincinnati companies to recruit a diverse work force?

        A: It's had a big effect. Bringing African-Americans to Cincinnati in the first place was difficult. They would think, ''Home of the Klan on Fountain Square and Marge Schott.'' And now the riots happened, and that has just added to it.

        On the other hand, there are a lot of things going on to try to improve the city. Given three or four more years, hopefully it'll be a much better place.

        It takes time. . . . With our negative imagery now, it's going to take a monumental effort.

        Q: Do you see more African-Americans choosing to start their own companies, rather than working their way up the ladder in large corporations? Why?

        A: My gut feeling is, 10 to 15 years ago African-Americans looked forward to working in large companies and working their way to vice president. Now, people will stay three to five years until they get the experience, and then start their own.

        What it says is, money is one thing, but it takes more than that to keep people inside.

Complete poll results and PDF of the report
At work, blacks still sense limits
Highest level jobs the next frontier
Training minority executives is part of owner's mission
About this series
How this poll was done
Tell us what you think