Structure, Mentoring Help Organizations Increase Diversity

Traditional diversity training does not significantly contribute to increases in managerial diversity over time. However, establishing a structure of responsibility, such as a diversity task force is effective. Encouraging personal mentors also helps increase managerial diversity, according to a study published in the American Sociological Review.

Researchers assessed seven types of diversity programs including affirmative action programs, diversity committees, diversity staff, diversity training, diversity evaluations, networking programs, and mentoring programs. Structured efforts—implementation of diversity task forces and mentoring programs—showed the greatest success.

The study can inform community anti-drug coalitions seeking to increase diversity in their leadership showing that multi-strategy, planned initiatives produce greater success.

More on the study results and how local anti-drug coalitions can use the information to inform their efforts appears in the June 2007 issue of Research into Action. To read further, go to the Coalition Resources page of CADCA’s National Coalition Institute Web site.

Research into Action is a free publication which reports on research findings that impact the work of coalitions. Published six times a year by CADCA’s National Coalition Institute, each issue examines what coalitions can do to implement knowledge they gain in their communities. Sign up for your free e-mail subscription on the Coalition Resources page of the National Coalition Institute’s Web site.