Text size – +

The truth about diversity programs

By mwelch October 3, 06 11:55 AM

Source: Frank Dobbin, Harvard University

harvarduniv.jpg

Frank Dobbin, Professor of Sociology at Harvard points Biz Filtah readers to a study he's just completed on the efficacy of corporate diversity programs. Ever been to one of those corporate diversity training programs? I have. And I'm not surprised that they don't work. According to Dobbin's research, here's what works:

"The most broadly effective interventions are those that assign responsibility for change, and make some person or group accountable. Diversity taskforces, which are not so common and not very expensive (being made up of insiders), are surprisingly effective at helping to move white women, black women, and black men into management. Diversity staff positions are also quite effective."

With big companies spending millions each year on diversity management, Dobbin wants to get the word out about what has been effective and what hasn’t been. Get a sneak peek at his paper due out soon.

http://www.wjh.harvard.edu/~dobbin/cv/working_papers/aapracticesFinalProof.pdf

About business filter A daily catch of stories you don't want to miss.
see all globe blogs
contributors Learn more about Business Filter contributing author Maura Welch.
archives Select a month