Contextual and temporal effects on diversity action programmes in organisations

Abstract

This study adopts a comparative institutionalist lens to explore contextual and temporal effects on the use of diversity action programmes within organisations across eight European countries. Using data from three rounds of the Cranet survey, we analyse the impact of market economy types and collective participation on diversity action programs over time. At the national level, we adopt a fourfold taxonomy of market economies transcending the typical LME/CME dichotomy to elucidate the nuanced complexities underlying temporal trends. Regarding diversity action programmes, we find a higher likelihood of their implementation in deregulated economies, compared to Scandinavian, Mediterranean and Rhineland economies. Over time, while deregulated economies tend to diverge from others, there are notably distinct patterns emerging in relation to Scandinavian economies, while comparisons with Rhineland and Mediterranean economies unveil patterns of both change and continuity. Furthermore, our findings indicate that collective participation enhances the adoption of diversity action programmes for most demographic groups. The relevant temporal analysis reveals that, largely, collective participation differentiates the organisational use of diversity action programmes over time. Implications for research and practice are discussed.