Whose Accountability Revolution? Priorities, Incentive Structures, Organization Cultures
When we think of how organizations effectively commit to increasing diversity and inclusion internally, and as broader social actors, we face strategic tension. Is it more effective if the commitment is top-down from senior leaders or managers? This approach often focuses on diversity training to educate employees and inspire behavior change, hiring policies, or mentorship programs to increase the diversity within an organization. Or is it more effective if this commitment is bottom-up from individuals, employees, or members of that organization holding management or leadership accountable, demanding change, or enacting change in everyday interactions with members of that organization?
At this year’s conference, we want to consider how these approaches to commitment frame kinds of inclusive behavior within organizations and the societies these organizations function within. We will focus on how an accountability revolution has shaped the world of sports – the media, community stakeholders, professional and amateur teams, and athletes – as a heuristic for understanding the limits, limitations, and opportunities translatable for broader social transformation towards greater diversity and inclusion.