Diversity in Global Mining: Where We Are and What We Need to Do

Abstract

We explore how diversity plays out in a historically male-dominated domain of international business – mining – by analyzing the diversity statements and initiatives reported by 25 of the top 50 global mining firms in terms of market value. We find that home country organizational field configurations play a pivotal role in determining how mining firms perceive diversity and the specific diversity dimensions they focus on. We distinguish between accommodative, defensive and reactive configurations to understand regional variation in the way mining firms manage diversity. We provide actionable recommendations to key stakeholders on adopting a proactive approach towards advancing diversity.