Dive Brief:
- Today's typical strategies for boosting workplace diversity often hurt more than help, according to Slate.
- Referencing a recent Harvard Business Review article, Slate notes that diversity policies often create only an “illusion of fairness,” which in turn causes white people to minimize discrimination complaints – making things worse, rather than better, for non-whites.
- Diversity initiatives are considered worthwhile, though most programs are created and implemented without any idea of whether they are going to work or not.
Dive Insight:
What diversity policies succeed? Slate points to two sociologists who have done a lot of research on the topic and argue that positive policies rely on three success factors: engagement, accountability and transparency. That means engaging managers in diversity efforts and appointing a diversity manager, for example, to help ensure accountability.
Bottom line, employers adding diversity programs and policies mainly to dodge litigation are most likely wasting their time. If companies want to hire, retain and promote minorities, they must educate hiring managers and hold them accountable in order to see results.
