Diversity training: where are we, and where should we be heading? A systematic literature review

ABSTRACT

Diversity training has gained momentum over the years across industries to reduce turnover, increase revenue, and enhance the hospitable environment of the workplace, among other benefits. However, the initiate has also been criticized for ineffectiveness and backlash from participants. This review synthesizes 228 articles on diversity training across 13 industries to draw a holistic landscape of the initiative to address the existing gap in research. Findings of the systematic literature review were presented to diversity trainers to collate the existing knowledge with practice. Results of the review demonstrate an acute need for research within Tourism and Hospitality along with qualitative research on the initiative. Efforts also need to be taken to decolonize the research and training designed for the managers and leaders of the organisation. Theoretical and practical implications for Tourism and Hospitality Research and policy are discussed after consultation with diversity practitioners in the industry.

KEYWORDS:

• Diversity training
• tourism
• hospitality
• systematic literature review
• training

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Prachi Thakur

Prachi Thakur is a researcher and trainer associated with the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India. Her research focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within Tourism and Hospitality. In particular, Prachi is currently exploring the development of diversity training as a strategic tool for achieving social sustainability. She is also an invited speaker on solo female travelling, Asian tourism research and tourism education

Catheryn Khoo

Catheryn Khoo is Associate Professor and an authorised tourism and gender expert, an international speaker, master trainer and consultant. She has a passion for working with tourism businesses and organisations to humanise work systems and define transformational leadership for productivity and well-being. Working with Tourism & Hospitality businesses, Catheryn draws meanings from academic research. She also has expertise in feasibility studies and qualitative research methodologies using photographs, virtual texts, observations, focus groups and in-depth interviews.

Wut Yee Kyi Pyar

Wut Yee Kyi Pyar is the founder of Mother Earth Tourism Specialists Myanmar and leads the research and development. Wut Yee has special interest in slow tourism and has researched creating a sustainable livelihood framework through food tourism. She also has participated in many tourism management and planning activities in the Myanmar tourism industry. Her current project is focused on integrating sustainable practice in hospitality and tourism business management, such as setting key performance indicators and stakeholder engagement.