Study discerns elements of successful diversity training

New research from Cornell's School of Hotel Administration (SHA), which evaluated a variety of diversity training programs offered by business organizations and institutions, sheds some light on developing training that has a significant impact in addressing stereotyping and other biases in work environments. The study, 'Diversity Training, A Meta-Analytical Integration of over 40 Years of Research on Diversity Training Evaluation,' shows the best results are achieved when training is complemented by other diversity initiatives and continues over time. Jamie L. Perry , an assistant professor at SHA, is among the authors of the report. The most effective types of diversity training programs had two things in common. Firstly, 'They were primarily designed to increase both diversity awareness and skills,' Perry said. Secondly, 'They employ many different instructional methods, such as lectures, exercises, group activities and discussions, all together,' she said. 'We also found that diversity training was most effective when training was integrated or embedded in a comprehensive diversity curriculum, instead of just offering one class or seminar, as it signaled managerial commitment to diversity,' Perry said.