Examining Why and for Whom Reflection Diversity Training Works

Abstract

This research introduces a novel approach to diversity training by theoretically developing and empirically testing a model that considers a new training exercise aimed at improving proximal and distal pro-diversity outcomes. This new training exercise, reflection, is proposed to be effective at increasing pro-diversity attitudes and behaviors due to the promotion of one's internal motivations to respond without prejudice. Further, we test a critical trainee characteristic, social dominance orientation (SDO), as a boundary condition of our proposed effects. Results from an online experiment with two time points indicate that reflection can be an effective diversity training exercise and leads to better pro-diversity attitudes and behaviors through one's internal motivation to respond without prejudice. Social dominance orientation moderated these indirect effects, such that reflection was more effective for those high in SDO, counter to expectations. Implications of this research and future directions are discussed.