On Why Diversity Programs Fail

Last Summer the Harvard Business Review published the article "Why Diversity Programs Fail."

The authors contend that top-down "control tactics" of mandatory diversity training classes don't have the desired long-term effects. In contrast, they recommend engaging employees in addressing diversity challenges, increasing on-the-job contacts and promoting social accountability to encourage employees to work together as equals toward common goals.

This echoes the classic Muzafer Sherif 1950s study of competing groups at a Summer boys' camp. The camp's two groups were in conflict. It was only when Sherif introduced crisis problems that to resolve required boys from the two groups to work together did their hostility disappear.

An important tactic in conflict management is to introduce what are now called "superordinate goals"-- goals that can only be achieved if competing groups agree to cooperate.