June 3rd, 2024
Harvard Business Review recently published an article co-authored by Evan Apfelbaum, Associate Professor of Management and Organizations, discussing the benefits of companies’ transparency with DEI efforts.
While many companies have pledged to increase workforce diversity, there have been struggles to achieve this. Research suggests that transparency about diversity struggles can enhance a company’s reputation by showing genuine commitment.
“This logic may seem counterintuitive, but consider how disclosure works in the context of interpersonal relationship building. We know from decades of research that when people disclose personal information, they are more apt to be liked and trusted,” Apfelbaum adds.
Ultimately, public disclosure of diversity struggles demonstrates a company’s conviction and accountability to stakeholders.
