2008 Study into Diversity in Leadership Positions   Diversity in leadership positions is a theme that is enjoying sweeping popularity among opinion leaders, the media as well as in politics. Many, including the SER (Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands), Commissie Frijns, Ambassadeursnetwerk and other organisations are giving serious thought to the question of: how to encourage and broaden the scope of diversity.   Despite the fact that this theme is becoming more and more popular, research into the views of the management boards in the Netherlands with regard to diversity is still in its infancy. Little is known about the meaning, thresholds and dilemmas or the experiences associated with diversity among top executives of Dutch companies.It is with a view to adequately addressing this situation that the study “Diversity in leadership positions” was launched.   Maes & Lunau Executive Search, the Nederlands Centrum van Directeuren en Commissarissen (NCD) and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam are partners in this study, and prominent managers and commissioners (see below: Recommendation Committee) endorse the importance of this research.   The following questions are central to the study: -          Views on diversity; -          Absence of diversity policy in companies; -          Extent of introduction and preconditions; -          Application in selection and appointments; -          Views on and/or experiences with advantages.   Business relations of Maes & Lunau and all NCD members are invited to participate in the online survey. This survey focuses on managers and supervisors. Additionally, some 25 in-depth interviews on this theme will be held with managers, supervisors, chairs of CWC, managers of employers and employees associations and other stakeholders.   The first results of the study will become available mid-2008.