The importance of leadership diversity: The relationship between diversity and organizational success in the academic environment

Abstract

In the academic community, efforts to foster diversity are generally supported by a rationale that relates to equity and changing societal demographics. Private sector research, however, indicates support for a rationale relating to overall organizational success. Such research forms the basis for the consideration of the relationship between diversity and organizational success in the academic environment. In addition, the research provides evidence that diversity continues to be valued in the private sector, which employs many of the graduates whose academic preparation is supported by the college or university library. This article presents the results of a research study involving diversity and organizational success in the academic environment. The results provide evidence that there is a relationship between diversity and organizational success and offers further support for the results of the prior research in this area, as well as offering data to enhance the rationale for the support of diversity efforts in the academic library community.