Diversity in decision-making bodies has been shown to have significant effects on institutional morality. Institutions that are more diverse tend to place greater emphasis on certain moral issues than those with less diverse boards.
Companies with a higher percentage of female directors often focus more heavily on environmental sustainability, while organizations with more racially diverse leaders tend to prioritize social justice issues such as racism and discrimination. These trends suggest that different perspectives can influence how an organization approaches its values and mission statement.
One possible explanation for this phenomenon is that diversity allows for new ideas and viewpoints to be brought into the conversation, which can lead to reevaluation of existing beliefs and practices. Diverse groups may challenge traditional norms and offer alternative ways of thinking about issues that were previously overlooked or ignored. This can result in a broader understanding of ethics and morals, leading to better decision making overall.
Having representatives from multiple backgrounds can help ensure that all stakeholders' voices are heard and taken into account when deciding how best to proceed.
Some argue that increased diversity does not necessarily mean that institutions will automatically become more focused on specific moral concerns. Rather, it depends on who is included in the group and what their particular backgrounds bring to the table.
If a company has only tokenized individuals from underrepresented communities rather than actively seeking out true diversity through hiring practices, then they might not benefit from the unique insights these people could provide.
Even well-meaning attempts at inclusion can backfire if members feel pressured to conform to majority views or hesitate to speak up due to fear of retaliation.
Further research is needed to understand exactly how and why diversity impacts institutional morality. Nonetheless, there seems to be strong evidence that organizations with diverse boards tend to prioritize certain types of issues differently than those without such representation, highlighting the importance of ensuring diverse perspectives are considered when making important decisions.
How does diversity in decision-making bodies alter the moral priorities of institutions?
Diversity in decision-making bodies can alter the moral priorities of an institution by exposing it to different perspectives that challenge the status quo and traditional values. Different individuals with unique backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs may bring new ideas and insights into the discussion table that may not have been considered before. This can lead to a more balanced and comprehensive approach to ethical issues, ensuring that all stakeholders' needs are taken into account.