The Influence of Cultural Empathy and Gender on Perceptions of Diversity Programs

Abstract

Because of changes in demography and the emphasis on diversity programming, organizational leaders need to understand how employees' empathy toward diverse groups affects diversity program perceptions. This study examines whether individual ethnic/cultural empathy toward diverse groups relates to intentions to attend and interest in diversity initiatives. The sample consisted of 294 college students at a moderate sized Midwestern University. There were moderate significant relationships found. Women and those higher in ethnic/cultural empathy reported higher behavioral intentions to attend and positive perceptions of diversity programs. Managers and human resource personnel could use these findings to assess the diversity climate of their organization allowing for better targeted interventions based on current workforce attitudes and levels of cultural empathy.