Research Guides: Anti-Racist Libguide: Why Diversity Matters

Why Does Diversity Matter?

If you're visiting our guide for the first time you might be wondering why does diversity even matter? Start your learning journey below by visiting some of these websites and learning about the different cases to be made for why diversity is vital for our society. Please note many of these are opinion articles or by organizations and are only meant to spark discussion and thinking about the importance of diversity and equity in society. Critical appraisal of all resources is always a suggested process.

Pure Diversity by Mirta Toledo 1993

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Readings

Why DIversity Matters More than Ever
"There is substantial research to show that diversity brings many advantages to an organisation: stronger governance, better problem-solving abilities, increased creativity and profitability. Employees with diverse backgrounds will inevitably bring a wider range of perspectives, ideas and experiences. This then helps to create organisations that are resilient and effective, and which outperform organisations that do not invest in diversity."
Getting Serious About Diversity: Enough Already with the Business Case
"When the only legitimate conversation about diversity is one that links it to economic gains, we tend to discount the problem of inequality. In fact, studies have shown that making the economic case diminishes people’s sense that equality is itself important, limits socially conscious investors’ ability to promote it, and may even increase bias."
Companies Say Diversity Matters. So Why Aren't They Becoming More Diverse?
"There are several common barriers, but these can be addressed to accelerate progress on gender and racial diversity and inclusion. Here are four ways companies can do better."
Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Matter
Four key arguments make the case for diversity, equity, and inclusion: the moral or social justice case, the economic case, the market case, and the results case.
Does Diversity Matter? School Racial Composition and Academic Achievement of Students in a Diverse Sample
Research findings on school diversity and its impact on children’s educational outcomes is mixed. This study examined school racial diversity and educational outcomes for ethnically diverse students.
Diversity in STEM: What is It, Why Does it Matter, and How Do We Increase It?
"According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences a more diverse team is more likely to outperform a more homogenous team—even when the homogenous team is considered to have 'relatively greater ability' as individuals than the more diverse group."
Does Teacher Diversity Matter in Student Learning?
"Does it matter? Yes, according to a significant body of research: Students tend to benefit from having teachers who look like them, especially nonwhite students."
Workplace Diversity and Why It Matters
"Prospective employees look to see a reflection of themselves in diverse teams. Organisations can draw skilled candidates to their talent pool and improve employee engagement by offering a genuinely diverse workplace. Talented candidates may have many job offers but money may not be the deciding factor for them. Seeing a team of people from different backgrounds with different perspectives can help them feel confident that an employer really does champion equal opportunity."
Why Diversity is Important
"A government representative of its people is better run, more meritocratic, and helps achieve equity. It creates and implements more inclusive policies and elevates a diverse set of role models. Leaders from diverse backgrounds often develop more creative insights, proffer alternative and comprehensive solutions and thus make decisions that better serve the American people."