How Personality Relates to Attitudes Toward Diversity and Workplace Diversity Initiatives

The present research examined how the Big Five traits Openness to Experience and Agreeableness predicted general attitudes toward diversity (Study 1) and receptivity to concrete diversity initiatives in the workplace (Study 2). Study 1 found that Openness to Experience positively predicted universal diverse orientation, but not pro-diversity belief or sensitivity to diversity. Agreeableness positively predicted universal diverse orientation and pro-diversity belief. In Study 2, Openness to Experience positively predicted universal diverse orientation, but not support for workplace diversity initiatives. Agreeableness positively predicted universal diverse orientation and support for both existing and potential workplace diversity initiatives. We also showed that universal diverse orientation mediated the links between personality and support for workplace diversity initiatives. We discuss how these findings can shed more light on the types of individuals who are more likely to endorse diversity and inclusion, which can subsequently inform more effective implementation and communication of diversity initiatives.