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Workplace diversity training reduces prejudice and promotes anti-discrimination intentions

Ilanius Göransson, Susanne ; Bladkrona, Annie ; Wolgast, Sima Nurali LU and Hoff, Eva LU (2025) In Ethnic and Racial Studies
Abstract

Racism remains a harmful societal issue, and organizations must actively address workplace bias and discrimination. However, clear guidelines are often lacking for how to conduct Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training in workplaces. This study aimed to develop and test a tool, the Multi-method Approach to Train Equity (MATE), to reduce prejudice and promote anti-discrimination intentions. Using a robust design with switching replications, MATE’s effectiveness was evaluated with 76 employees across three organizations. Results showed a significant prejudice reduction and strengthened anti-discriminatory behavioral intentions, with lasting effects. However, no changes in compassion or perspective-taking were observed.... (More)

Racism remains a harmful societal issue, and organizations must actively address workplace bias and discrimination. However, clear guidelines are often lacking for how to conduct Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training in workplaces. This study aimed to develop and test a tool, the Multi-method Approach to Train Equity (MATE), to reduce prejudice and promote anti-discrimination intentions. Using a robust design with switching replications, MATE’s effectiveness was evaluated with 76 employees across three organizations. Results showed a significant prejudice reduction and strengthened anti-discriminatory behavioral intentions, with lasting effects. However, no changes in compassion or perspective-taking were observed. Defensiveness is discussed as an obstacle that needs to be managed in diversity training, and findings suggest that the multi-method approach is a fruitful model.

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author
; ; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
epub
subject
keywords
anti-discrimination intentions, bias, DEI training, diversity, prejudice reduction, Workplace discrimination
in
Ethnic and Racial Studies
publisher
Routledge
external identifiers
  • scopus:105002046675
ISSN
0141-9870
DOI
10.1080/01419870.2025.2478268
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
e8abcb98-2c38-4cd2-b32f-17e045942fc3
date added to LUP
2025-09-03 11:23:37
date last changed
2025-09-03 11:23:54
@article{e8abcb98-2c38-4cd2-b32f-17e045942fc3,
  abstract     = {{<p>Racism remains a harmful societal issue, and organizations must actively address workplace bias and discrimination. However, clear guidelines are often lacking for how to conduct Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training in workplaces. This study aimed to develop and test a tool, the Multi-method Approach to Train Equity (MATE), to reduce prejudice and promote anti-discrimination intentions. Using a robust design with switching replications, MATE’s effectiveness was evaluated with 76 employees across three organizations. Results showed a significant prejudice reduction and strengthened anti-discriminatory behavioral intentions, with lasting effects. However, no changes in compassion or perspective-taking were observed. Defensiveness is discussed as an obstacle that needs to be managed in diversity training, and findings suggest that the multi-method approach is a fruitful model.</p>}},
  author       = {{Ilanius Göransson, Susanne and Bladkrona, Annie and Wolgast, Sima Nurali and Hoff, Eva}},
  issn         = {{0141-9870}},
  keywords     = {{anti-discrimination intentions; bias; DEI training; diversity; prejudice reduction; Workplace discrimination}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  publisher    = {{Routledge}},
  series       = {{Ethnic and Racial Studies}},
  title        = {{Workplace diversity training reduces prejudice and promotes anti-discrimination intentions}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01419870.2025.2478268}},
  doi          = {{10.1080/01419870.2025.2478268}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}