Over the last several years, competing notions of “diversity” have emerged. In many corners, the traditional definition, focused on demographic diversity, has been eclipsed by a new concept centered on experiential or cognitive differences. Deloitte, a provider of advisory services to firms around the globe, including 85% of the Fortune 500, encapsulates the trend, noting, “Up to now, diversity initiatives have focused primarily on fairness for legally protected populations. But organizations now have an opportunity to harness a more powerful and nuanced kind of diversity: diversity of thought.” Similarly, Korn Ferry, a global management consulting firm, urges firms to reorient their recruiting efforts to emphasize “diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions.”
Research: When Boards Broaden Their Definition of Diversity, Women and People of Color Lose Out
Demographic diversity is often crowded out by a focus on skills and industry experience.
October 03, 2018
Summary.
As more companies herald cognitive or experiential diversity as a goal for their boards, the number of women and minorities serving as directors has stalled. Researchers looked at mandatory proxy disclosures and conducted interviews with board directors and recruiters. They found evidence that boards are increasingly interested in hiring new directors with a wider array of technical skills and professional backgrounds, and that the focus on demographic diversity has waned. At the same time, women and minorities’ inclusion on boards has flatlined or, in some cases, declined.
New!
HBR Learning
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to build a better, more just workplace.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to build a better, more just workplace.