Mixed signals: an analysis of diversity value signaling in leading U.S. hospitals

Abstract

Background: As the United States (U.S.) population continues to diversify, the recruitment and retention of a diverse and culturally competent nursing workforce is paramount to delivering high quality care. To meet this challenge, organizations may use diversity value signaling (DVS) in recruitment materials. DVS, defined as the use of inclusive language and terms in organizational communication, is an extension of Signaling Theory which suggests that the content in a job description provides both instrumental and symbolic signaling of the organization’s values, goals, and expectations. The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of DVS in leading U.S. hospitals and to explore whether there is a relationship between DVS and performance.