Strategic Resource Groups
The key to an engaged, strategic, and an innovative workforce.
CEO’s leading edge research on Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), now evolving into Strategic Resource Groups (SRGs), examines how these communities are strategic drivers of culture, engagement, innovation, performance, and business outcomes. By aligning employee experience with organizational goals, SRGs help companies translate engagement into measurable business results.
Current & Past ERG Leadership Sponsors
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as Strategic Drivers of Business Success
Leading Senior Research Scientist, Dr. Theresa Welbourne, states Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), also known as Business (BRGs) or Strategic Resource Groups (SRGs), have evolved far beyond their origins as social or support networks. When strategically aligned with business objectives, they become powerful engines for innovation, talent development, and cultural transformation.
At the Center for Effective Organizations (CEO), we’ve spent more than a decade studying how ERGs drive measurable impact, from advancing leadership development to influencing strategy and performance. Dr. Theresa Welbourne’s research helps organizations move beyond community networks to data-driven practices that unlock the full strategic potential of ERGs, turning engagement into results.
Free ERG Research Opportunities (2 Ways to Participate)
Annual ERG Leader and Member Research
Measure the impact of your ERGs with data-driven insights validated and used by organizations since 2012. Participants receive a customized report on how ERGs influence talent, culture, and organizational vitality, at no cost.
The Work of ERGs
Benchmark your ERG practices with aggregated data collected and published by the Center for Effective Organizations. See how ERGs drive positive outcomes and sustain effective organizations, and get invited to forums to review the insights.
Strategic ERG Leadership Summit (In Person & Virtual)
Each year, the Center for Effective Organizations (CEO) at the USC Marshall School of Business convenes ERG and SRG leaders, executive sponsors, and organizational champions for the Strategic Employee Resource Group (ERG) Leadership Summit, a leading forum for advancing the strategic impact of ERGs.
Now in its 14th year, the Summit brings together global leaders for data-driven insights, peer collaboration, and hands-on learning that link ERG work to business strategy and measurable outcomes. Through a mix of in-person and virtual experiences, participants explore how ERGs can serve as powerful catalysts for organizational performance, innovation, and culture transformation.
New Offering: Strategic Resource Group (SRG)
Leadership Certificate Program
As you advance through your journey as an ERG/SRG leader, the Leadership Certificate can help you not only during your time in your resource group role but also to strengthen your skills for future non-resource group leadership roles.
The SRG Leadership Certificate program will help move you ahead on your journey from where you are now to your next role. The next cohort begins November 19, 2025.
What is the SRG Leadership Certificate Program?
The Strategic Resource Group (SRG) Leadership Certificate is a nine-month professional development program designed for ERG/SRG leaders and executives who want to strengthen their leadership skills and link resource group work to broader business impact. Participants learn through research-based instruction, hands-on projects, and peer collaboration—all focused on transforming resource group experience into strategic leadership growth.
How long does the program take to complete?
The program is designed to be completed within nine months, with flexibility to finish sooner or later as needed. Participants earn 30 points through a mix of class sessions, projects, and presentations.
What are the program requirements?
To earn the certificate, participants must:
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Accumulate 30 points across required learning activities
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Attend six live Zoom class sessions (recordings available)
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Complete a SWOT or SOAR analysis of their organization’s ERG/SRG program
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Develop and present a case study or project tied to their organization
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Deliver a final presentation at the USC Center for Effective Organizations’ Strategic ERG Leadership Summit or a Learn & Connect session
What kinds of projects do participants complete?
Projects are experiential and tailored to each participant’s organizational goals. Examples include:
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Researching or piloting new resource group structures
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Developing leadership or sponsor programs
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Creating ERG scorecards or metrics frameworks
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Conducting benchmarking surveys to assess impact and ROI
Each project is supported by program faculty and contributes to real organizational outcomes.
What are the key benefits of participating?
Participants gain:
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Practical, research-based tools for leading resource groups strategically
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Coaching and guidance from faculty experts
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Access to peer and mentor networks
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Opportunities to contribute to data-driven research through USC CEO
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Enhanced visibility and credibility as ERG/SRG leaders within their organizations
What are the key benefits of participating?
Participants gain:
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Practical, research-based tools for leading resource groups strategically
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Coaching and guidance from faculty experts
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Access to peer and mentor networks
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Opportunities to contribute to data-driven research through USC CEO
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Enhanced visibility and credibility as ERG/SRG leaders within their organizations
Who teaches and facilitates the program?
The program is led by Dr. Theresa M. Welbourne, Affiliated Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Effective Organizations, USC Marshall School of Business, and a leading authority on organizational energy, leadership, and employee resource groups. Participants also connect with fellow SRG and ERG leaders through collaborative discussions and peer learning.
The Strategic Resource Group Project empowers organizations through a comprehensive suite of initiatives that foster innovation, organizational growth, and inclusive cultures by equipping leaders with the tools and insights needed to drive impactful organizational, strategic imperatives.
The Center for Effective Organizations (CEO) and lead Senior Affiliate Research Scientist, Dr. Theresa Welbourne, have brought together leadership development opportunities and the next wave of Resource Groups to become more strategic (not just business focused but addressing mutual needs of both employees and the organization). This initiative helps organizations expand the impactful work of their resource groups by focusing on strategic imperatives for growth and purposefully including employees who have not been part of an ERG.
Click here to learn more about how to get involved in funding these initiatives.
NEW RESEARCH INSIGHTS: The State of ERGS (2024) & Annual Leader & Member Survey
Discover the power of ERGs in driving global business strategies. Dr. Theresa Welbourne and CEO have spearhead the “State of ERGs” research study, the first study of its kind, and the Annual ERG Leader & Member Survey. Click here to access the latest insights.
USC CEO ERG Community
Join CEO’s proprietary ERG community to access past Strategic ERG Leadership Summit presentations, network globally with other ERG leaders, and to attend exclusive webinars.
Click here to request access.
If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Sparks Taylor, Director of Corporate Relations & Executive Education, at [email protected].
Meet Our Researcher
Our award-winning research scientists, affiliates and practitioners help companies drive performance by providing leading-edge research, practical tools, and a wealth of experience.
Theresa M. Welbourne
Affiliated Senior Research Scientist
Dr. Theresa Welbourne’s work focuses on human capital and leadership strategies that drive growth, innovation and high performance. She is known for her work on employee energy and how energy, direction and confidence come together to stimulate and sustain high sense of urgency cultures and organizational growth.