Did Lockheed Martin seek to patent its AA programme?
Actually, we could not patent our AA since it is based in law. However, we are in the process of patenting an innovative model we have developed to measure the success of our diversity efforts. Our diversity maturity model (DMM) is based on an engineering construct, therefore easily understood by our predominantly technical workforce. Most importantly, it provides us with a common framework and definition to guide our diversity efforts. The DMM is an innovative way to take the measurement of diversity to a completely different level—one that goes far beyond race and gender to embrace the many ways that diversity and inclusion contribute to the success of our business. A key element of the DMM that distinguishes it from other measurement tools is that the scoring system we use is most heavily weighted toward an employee survey conducted annually. We are most concerned with how our employees actually view the organisation from a diversity standpoint and not as much by other factors such
