In the context of a global workplace, valuing diversity cultivates an environment that respects and includes differences by creating a work environment that maximizes potential of all employees. Only when organizations know the true return on investment (ROI) of diversity training will they be inclined to bear the cost and effort associated with implementing programs to effectively manage diversity. Diversity training: a necessity? In 2004, Enterprise Rent-a-Car supported a National Urban League study that surveyed more than 5,500 American workers, including managers and CEOs. The results revealed that less than half of the executives surveyed believe their own company manages diversity effectively. Additionally, nearly 60 percent feel partly responsible for not being sufficiently involved in diversity training in the workplace (Fisher, 2004). The field of diversity training is part of a multi-billion dollar training industry resulting primarily from recent demographic changes, increasing globalization, and the fight against diversity. -workplace discrimination laws. Laws and regulations. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces all federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination in the United States. Perhaps the most notable of these is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), which prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, religion, sex, color or national origin. In addition to Title VII, there are a host of federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination, addressing issues such as equal pay and employment opportunities, unbiased job placement, promotions and discrimination in employment based on age, disability, and sex (US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2005). These regulations have undoubtedly fueled an increased need for organizational diversity training. Globalization and Increased Competition in International Markets Workplace diversity is a demographic phenomenon that affects not only U.S. organizations, but also multinational companies and institutions around the world (Littlefield, 1995). Additional business forces, such as global competition, drive diversity in the majority of large organizations, regardless of their geographic location. Companies are increasingly operating on a global stage and failing to provide the appropriate diversity training programs can be a very costly mistake. Changing Demographic Trends Society in general is changing significantly and recent changes in demographic trends can potentially affect many facets of organizational management. The U.S. workforce is increasingly made up of men and women of all races, ethnicities, ages, lifestyles, sexual orientations, and religious beliefs. High immigration in recent years has also contributed to a more culturally diverse work environment, a trend that is expected to continue (Keeton, 2003).