Reference #107: Why Diversity Programs Fail

The use of negative incentives — such as the threat of punishment — to reduce bias or increase diversity in an organisation generally does not create the desired change. In fact, this approach often has the reverse effect, as people rebel against a perceived loss of autonomy.

Conversely, voluntary diversity training evokes the opposite response, as those who participate connect their actions ("I am attending this session voluntarily...") with a new belief ("...hence I must be pro diversity").

Dobbin, Kalev. Why Diversity Programs Fail, 2016. Reprinted in Reinventing HR, 2019. (132)

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