Research has shown that talking about the business case for diversity can backfire on employers. Job seekers from marginalized groups interpret the justification of diversity in terms of corporate profit or stock performance, for example, as a sign that an organization would value them less and stereotype them more. “The way organizations talk about diversity tells you a little bit about whether it's an absolute commitment,” Oriane Georgeac, now at Boston University's Questrom School of Business, told us last year, “or rather one that is contingent on the world changing, priorities changing, or on how the firm is doing.”
A new study in the Academy of Management Journal poses a similar question about existing employees: How does the way organizations talk about their diversity commitments affect workers’ willingness to buy into those efforts? The authors found that the most common framing leaders use is also the one least likely to get workers on board—and that the most effective framing is one most leaders shy away from.
We recently spoke with co-author Lisa Leslie, a professor of management and organizations at NYU’s Stern School of Business, about how organizations can improve their messaging around diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to improve worker buy-in. Here are key takeaways from our conversation:
Already a member? Sign in.
Make today’s workplace challenge tomorrow’s strategic advantage
Charter memberships deliver the research, education, events, and expert advisory that people leaders and teams need to transform themselves and their organizations.
Charter
Free
The best way for anyone to keep up with what's new and next in the changing workplace.
Charter Pro
$348/year$299/year
Actionable insights, benchmarks and best practices designed to be used in the flow of work, plus unlimited access to Charter events for managers, rising decision makers, or your whole people team.
Charter Pro CxO
Custom pricing
Join our community of groundbreaking CHROs and get unlimited, expert 1:1 advisory, plus custom research to help you navigate your thorniest challenges.
Trusted by change-ready and innovative companies
Compare
| Charter | Charter Pro | Charter Pro CxO | |
|---|---|---|---|
News and InsightsCutting-edge analysis of the latest workplace trends |
|||
Tools, templates, and benchmarksDelivered twice-weekly in essential email briefings and written by journalists and researchers dedicated to the future of work |
|||
Original research insights and how to use themRegular installments on AI, flexible work, and inclusion |
|||
Live events and on-demand workshopsMeet and learn directly from global experts building the future of work |
|||
AI-powered assistantOn-demand analysis, answers, and action plans to save you time and make you smarter |
|||
Coaching and advisoryUnlimited on-demand expertise – for a fraction of the cost of analysts and consultants |
|||
Custom team briefingsHost live research briefings for your whole people team on topics you care about most |