University of Arkansas professor Claretha Hughes describes diversity intelligence in an article for TD Magazine, the publication of the Association for Talent Development, an organization with 37,000 members.

The article by Hughes, who is an associate professor of human resource and workforce development, can be read on the magazine's website.

Diversity intelligence is the concept of valuing the differences in employees without attempting to make everyone alike. It gives leaders the chance to reflect on their actions and behaviors toward all employees and to effectively implement new strategies.

Many workers protected under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — which covers age, disability, national origin, race and color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, harassment, retaliation, sexual harassment, genetic information, pregnancy and veteran status — remain underutilized and marginalized in the workplace, Hughes said. Her article offers guidelines for how developing their diversity intelligence can help leaders realize organizational goals through all employees.

Hughes has written six books in the past five years. Her next book, Diversity Intelligence: Integrating Diversity Intelligence Alongside Emotional, Cultural and Intellectual Intelligence for Leadership and Career Development, is scheduled to be published in September by Palgrave MacMillan.