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  • 2006
  • Working Paper
  • HBS Working Paper Series

Defining the Attributes and Processes that Enhance the Effectiveness of Workforce Diversity Initiatives in Knowledge Intensive Firms

By: Modupe Akinola and David A. Thomas
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:44
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Abstract

Workforce diversity continues to be a key focus for organizations, driven by globalization of the U.S. economy and the desire for organizations to more accurately reflect the demographic diversity of the US population. Yet, most research on diversity in organizations has focused on the outcomes associated with workforce diversity and not on the processes that can enhance diversity in organizations. We address this limitation by developing a conceptual model and propositions that highlight the attributes of effective workforce diversity initiatives and the process through which workforce diversity initiatives become effective. We focus on knowledge intensive work and argue that in this context, the nature of the work is directly tied to societal stereotypes of underrepresented minorities, making knowledge intensive firms a rich environment to examine diversity initiatives and explore the dynamics that hinder retention and promotion for underrepresented minorities in these firms. We close by discussing directions for future research on workforce diversity initiatives.

Keywords

Diversity; Globalization; Employees; Retention; Knowledge Sharing; Research; United States

Citation

Akinola, Modupe, and David A. Thomas. "Defining the Attributes and Processes that Enhance the Effectiveness of Workforce Diversity Initiatives in Knowledge Intensive Firms." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 07-019, September 2006. (Revised August 2008.)
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About The Author

David A. Thomas

→More Publications

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    • November–December 2020
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    Race, Work, and Leadership: New Perspectives on the Black Experience

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    Beating the Odds: Leadership Lessons from Senior African-American Women

    By: Laura Morgan Roberts, Anthony Mayo, Robin Ely and David Thomas
More from the Authors
  • Getting Serious About Diversity: Enough Already with the Business Case By: Robin Ely and David A. Thomas
  • Race, Work, and Leadership: New Perspectives on the Black Experience By: Laura Morgan Roberts, Anthony J. Mayo and David A. Thomas
  • Beating the Odds: Leadership Lessons from Senior African-American Women By: Laura Morgan Roberts, Anthony Mayo, Robin Ely and David Thomas
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