DIVERSITY WINS? A PROGRESSIVE CRITIQUE OF THE BUSINESS CASE FOR VIRTUE

Abstract

“A lot of executives are not sure why they should want to learn to manage diversity. Legal compliance seems like a good reason. So does community relations. Many executives believe they have a social and moral responsibility to employ minorities and women […]. None of these are bad reasons, but none of them are business reasons, and given the nature and scope of today’s competitive challenges, I believe only business reasons will supply the necessary long-term motivation...”

[R. Roosevelt Thomas Jr., “From Affirmative Action to Affirming Diversity”, Harvard Business Review, vol. 68, n° 2, 1990]