Lay theories of diversity initiatives: Theory and measurement of zero-sum and win-win beliefs

Abstract

Three studies introduce a novel individual-difference construct to explain majority group members’ responses to organizational diversity efforts: lay theories of diversity initiatives. Zero-sum beliefs (ZSBs) presume that efforts to advance diversity come at the expense of majority group members. Win-win beliefs (WWBs) posit that diversity initiatives can benefit all racial groups. Study 1 created and validated measures of ZSBs and WWBs. Study 2 showed that ZSBs and WWBs are distinct from 10 intergroup measures (e.g., social dominance orientation, modern racism) and that each lay theory accounts for unique variance in explaining Whites’ reactions to diversity initiatives. Study 3 demonstrated that ZSBs and WWBs predict Whites’ reactions to diversity policies of a hypothetical company. These findings suggest that ZSBs and WWBs both help explain majority group members’ backlash against and support for organizational diversity initiatives.