The Effect of Diversity Initiatives and Meritocratic Values on Belief in Anti-Black Discrimination

This experimental study investigates the effect of diversity initiatives on White individuals' perception of discrimination against minorities and whether this relationship interacts with their meritocratic values. With an increased global emphasis on diversity and inclusion, organizations strive to reduce discrimination and instead promote a culture that values diversity. However, the effectiveness of these diversity initiatives is often met with mixed reactions, particularly from members of dominant groups. This study investigates if meritocratic values influence White participants' perceptions of discrimination when exposed to two distinct organizational diversity policies emphasizing different values: Multiculturalism and Multicultural Meritocracy. This study uses multiple regression analysis to reveal a significant interaction between meritocratic values and diversity initiatives, leading to varied perceptions of racial discrimination. Specifically, as a response to a diversity policy emphasizing multiculturalism, the finding suggests that individuals with strong meritocratic values might be less inclined to perceive discrimination against Black individuals than those who attribute less importance to merit. The meritocratic threat may offer a possible explanation for these patterns, where this study contributes to a broader understanding of the challenges in implementing effective diversity initiatives, suggesting that personal values around meritocracy, play a crucial role in individuals' responses to such efforts.