Researching Racial Diversity in Organizations

Research on racial diversity in organizations stands at a critical juncture. While the ‘business case for diversity’ has been supported empirically over decades, the field now faces significant headwinds. Political and institutional pressures, particularly in the Global North, are challenging the legitimacy of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, creating a complex environment for scholars and practitioners alike. To navigate these tensions and explore the field’s horizons, we sat down with Orlando C. Richard, a leading business management scholar at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Professor Richard is arguably one of the most influential scholars worldwide in the study of racial diversity dynamics within business institutions. In this interview, we sought to understand the historical foundations of his work and his perspective on the field’s future. He offers provocative insights into how the current U.S. context regarding DEI challenges creates opportunities that scholars at more progressive universities and researchers from the Global South, particularly in Brazil, can leverage. To this audience, his message offers an opportunity to lead discussions by grounding research in local realities and expanding the boundaries of theoretical frameworks. Furthermore, he outlines a compelling research agenda focused on intersectionality, mega-threats, and racial diversity effects on non-financial metrics.

Keywords:
racial diversity; racial equity; racial inclusion