Doctoral Dissertation Research: The Impact of Diversity on Organizations

本研究旨在阐明，在何种条件下，暴露于包容性的多样性价值观促进生产性成果，如公平的管理决策，减少歧视，提高认知表现。对于为什么少数民族和妇女在组织和决策中有代表性很重要（例如，生产力、法律、道德），多样性价值观往往植根于不同的理由。这些不同的理由可能在认知合法性、多数群体成员的抵制以及促进社会变革的潜力方面有所不同。本研究采用实验方法，探讨了在协作决策任务中，多样性理论如何影响对少数群体成员行为的社会心理学假设。参与者首先观看一段带有信息和图像的视频，这些信息和图像间接地向他们展示了四种多样性基本原理之一。然后，他们与一个小的种族异质群体合作，解决许多组织方案。数据是通过交互式计算机程序收集的，该程序记录决策过程中的模式，并在整个任务过程中管理调查问题。更广泛的影响研究结果将为一个日益激烈的争论提供信息，即在何种条件下，不断扩大的多样性创造了更具包容性的组织环境，并改善了群体间的关系。研究结果可以被领导者用来更好地评估替代性政策、结构特征、法律策略和培训机制，以寻求将多样性的价值制度化。

SES#: 1002657PI: Cecilia RidgewayCo-PI: Jamillah BowmanStanford UniversityThis study seeks to clarify the conditions under which exposure to inclusive diversity values promotes productive outcomes such as equitable management decisions, reduced discrimination, and improved cognitive performance. Diversity values are often rooted in different rationales about why it is important for minorities and women to be represented in organizations and decision making (e.g. productivity, legal, moral). These differential rationales may vary in perceived legitimacy, resistance by majority group members, and potential to promote social change. This study uses experimental methods to explore social psychological hypotheses regarding how diversity rationales influence behavior toward minority group members during collaborative decision making tasks. Participants first view a video with messages and imagery that indirectly expose them to one of four diversity rationales. They then collaborate with a small racially heterogeneous group to resolve a number of organizational scenarios. Data are collected through an interactive computer program that records patterns in the decision making process and administers survey questions throughout the task. Broader ImpactsThe findings will inform a growing debate about the conditions under which expanding diversity creates more inclusive organizational environments and improves intergroup relations. The results can be used by leaders to better evaluate alternative policies, structural features, legal strategies, and training mechanisms that seek to institutionalize the value of diversity.