"Doing the right thing” and “making a difference”: the role of personal ethical values in diversity and inclusion consulting

Anne-Marie Greene, Gill Kirton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This article focuses on the salience of personal ethical values for diversity work. Theory and practice of diversity management (DM) are located in a wider business ethics agenda which acknowledges the rhetorical value of the business case for diversity, but which also integrates the moral responsibilities attached to people management. Drawing on findings from a qualitative study of external diversity and inclusion (D&I) consultants in the UK, the analysis reveals the extent to which personal ethical values act as motivators for and influences on DM work. The research finds that the unique positioning of external D&I consultants facilitates a productive tension towards their work with organizations, allowing them space and opportunity to navigate ethical tensions such that they stand as particularly valuable equality practitioners.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Business Ethics
Early online date26 Aug 2023
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 26 Aug 2023

Bibliographical note

© The Author(s) 2023

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