Reconciling the Business Case and the Social Justice Case for Diversity: A Model of Human Relations

Abstract

There are two dichotomous rationales for valuing diversity in organizational contexts: the business case and the social justice case. Arguments for the business case for diversity and the social justice case are both supported by valuing philosophies. However, lacking in either of these philosophies is a human relations component that recognizes the role of relationships in achieving the intended goals. In this article, we propose that reconciling the tensions between the business case and the social justice case is contingent upon adopting an organizational strategy that includes a human relations valuing philosophy. The organizational strategy suggested reaffirms a strategic role of human resource development.