Research: When Gender Diversity Makes Firms More Productive

“Our international comparisons revealed the striking importance of a country’s diversity norms, such as gender role attitudes. The data suggests that for diversity to work, workers have to buy into the value of diversity, not just hear some rules about it. Diversity creates positive benefits when people believe in its intrinsic value. They can’t just see gender inclusion as an obligation.

“We believe there are three main reasons why opinions about the value of diversity matter so much to the actual value it brings. And these may provide lessons for managers who wish to capture the benefits of gender diversity.

“A diverse workforce signals an attractive work environment for talent. . .

“When you value diversity, you encourage diverse idea exchange. . . .

” diverse workforce signals competent management for investors. . . .”

FULL STORY published February 11, 2019 via Harvard Business Review