Merck’s long-term success rests on our ability to discover innovative medicines and demonstrate their value to patients, payers and providers. Integral to our success are our people.

Our concept of diversity goes beyond that of race, creed, ethnicity and gender. We look to promote the diversity of thinking that results from the differences in experiences, knowledge and background of all Merck people. Diversity of thinking will help us continue to encourage the creativity and innovation necessary for our Company to maintain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Our approach to fostering diversity at Merck has not been to create a distinct diversity program. Rather, we integrated our diversity initiatives into the Merck Leadership Model, which was designed to promote and develop the leadership skills of all Merck people. Only through the leadership of our people will we be able to achieve our business objectives.

The Merck Leadership Model focuses on developing employee competencies and creating a more productive work environment, which we define as one that respects individuals and their differences, fosters teamwork, promotes flexibility and supports a balance between work and personal lives.

Our four leadership principles encompass a wide range of behaviors expected of every employee at every level, including treating all employees with dignity and respect, integrating ideas and collaborating with others, exhibiting behaviors that reflect a high degree of integrity and ethics, and building effective working relationships.

Merck evaluates all of our employees on leadership as part of their overall performance which directly affects compensation. Our Company’s performance management process is designed to emphasize not just what an employee achieves, but also how he or she achieves it.

In addition, each Merck division develops a succession plan for all director-level and above positions worldwide. Women and people of color are carefully considered as part of this process to ensure they have effective leadership development plans and the appropriate support to achieve their goals. The results of this process are reviewed annually with the CEO, senior vice president of Human Resources, division president and senior HR division leader.

Encouraging leadership at all levels
The Merck Leadership Model serves as the foundation for all our human resources programs, policies and practices. The model rests on the premise that business performance and employee satisfaction go hand in hand. It focuses on two main areas: developing employee competencies and creating a more productive environment in which employees can excel.