Advancing the strategic work within organizations to align ERG strategies to business strategy and to advance leadership growth of diverse talent.

The Center for Effective Organizations, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California, brings over 45 years of experience in helping companies build more effective organizations. We have a team of world-renowned researchers and consultants working on subjects ranging from organization design to human resource management to leadership development to sustainability. CEO distinguishes itself from other applied research centers and consulting organizations by partnering with organizations to rigorously assess the relevant and strategic issues facing them, applying proven interventions guided by that assessment, and evaluating the effectiveness of the engagement.

Dr. Theresa Welbourne, Senior Affiliated Research Scientist, has been conducting research on the impact of ERGs within organizations for the past 20 years. This unique data-driven and collaborative action research approach has informed the development of leadership and learning programs for DEI executives, ERG Leaders, and executive sponsors of ERGs, including the annual ERG leadership summit (12-year history), ERG leadership certificate program (2-year history, and Learn & Connect online series (4-year history).

Over 2,000 leaders from 450 organizations have participated in the Strategic ERG Leadership work since 2012.

All programs are advancing the strategic work within organizations to align ERG strategies to business strategy and to advance leadership growth of diverse talent…moving from ERG leadership to business leadership. The newest body of work focuses on Strategic ERG Leadership, which focuses on ERGs not only impacting DEI goals but also innovation and other business outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Welbourne started the first entrepreneur resource groups, bringing diversity and inclusion goals to startups and entrepreneurs, with the goal of instilling those important values earlier in the startup life cycles while also helping less represented startups achieve greater success.

The following links provide more information and sample research papers from the work.

• ERG Leadership Summit Overview
• Testimonials Video on the Summit
• Additional Testimonials
• ERG Research Opportunities

ERG Research Papers & Articles

• Dynamics of Employee Resource Groups: Leader Experiences Driving Mutual Benefits for Employees and Members
• The Impact of ERGs: COVID-19
• Collision & Reflecting: Why ERGs make Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives Work

Providing evidence-based research, learning & development, and leadership development to drive DEI across all organizations for the past 20 years.

Upskilling and leadership development of ERG Leaders, DEI Executives, and Executive Sponsors including measurable and accountable impact for all ERG segments – Certificate program for ERG Leaders to develop business leadership skills, executive education, online learning, and peer-to-peer learning and development. Over 2,000 leaders from 450 organizations have participated in the learning and development opportunities to drive impact in their organizations.