Does diversity matter? exploring workforce diversity, diversity management, and organizational performance in social enterprises

Sangmi Cho, Ahraemi Kim, Michàlle E. Mor Barak

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study explores the dynamics of workforce diversity, diversity management, and organizational performance in social enterprises. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 individuals working in the social enterprise sector in Los Angeles, California, including both top management and regular employees. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis rooted in grounded theory. Overall, high levels of diversity in gender, race/ethnicity, education, and sexual orientation were identified in social enterprises, while low levels of age and value diversity were found. Workforce diversity and diversity management were reported to be crucial factors that positively influence organizational performance. Although interviewees considered diversity management to play an important role in promoting organizational performance, they were less likely to implement diversity management themselves. By providing important insights into workforce diversity, diversity management, and organizational performance in social enterprises, this study contributes to an understanding of the dynamics and provides suggestions for sustainability in social enterprises.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)193-204
Number of pages12
JournalAsian Social Work and Policy Review
Volume11
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2017

Keywords

  • diversity
  • diversity management
  • organizational performance
  • qualitative research
  • social enterprise

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