Research
DCA works in partnership with members to conduct research, which generates evidence-based information and guidance on workplace diversity.
Diversity in Australia: Importantly, DCA research projects are conducted in Australian organizations to generate findings that are relevant to the Australian business context.
- To-date evidence-based information has been generated in, and for, other national contexts, including the US, Canada, and the UK. While Australia has similarities to these contexts, it also has unique and distinctive qualities in institutional, cultural and legal frameworks. It is therefore simply not possible to assume that the interpretations and guidance developed in and for other national contexts can be readily transplanted into the Australian context.
Diverse Dimensions: Additionally, and just as importantly, DCA research projects investigate a broad range of diversity dimensions (e.g. Aboriginality, age, disability, ethnicity, faith, race, sexual orientation, work organization, and so on).
- Diversity-related guidance in Australia has predominantly focused on women in the workforce, particularly women in management. This is a legacy of diversity in Australia having emerged from the consciousness raising feminist movement and a societal context preoccupied with equity-related, women-centred public policy and legislation. While certainly significant, there is an immediate need to look beyond this, discussing diversity in the Australian context as it relates to Aboriginality, age, disability, ethnicity, faith, race, sexual orientation, work organisation (and the emergent need for strategies around new ways of approaching work flexibility), work-life, and across a broader range of spectrums and definitions.
In 2008-2009, DCA’s research strategy features the following innovative projects underway:
- Engaging Aboriginal Australians in our Workplace
Sponsored by National Australia Bank, this landmark research project will reveal the motivations and aspirations of Aboriginal Australians to provide valuable information to help build sustainable employment strategies for the future. As far as we are aware, this is the first research of this type ever embarked on.
- Being Diversity Competent
This research investigates the critical role line managers have in ‘doing’ diversity – that is, turning organizational policy into practice. Based on the PhD research of Jane O’Leary, DCA’s Research Director, this project aims to describe competence in managing diversity for line managers. The findings will be invaluable in assisting managers understand their own level of competence, with a view to further developing this.
Other projects to be launched include:
- LGBT Corporate Equality Index
In partnership with the National LGBT Health Alliance (NLHA), DCA will launch a new LGBT Corporate Equality Index project designed to promote employers who show leadership and a demonstrated commitment to workplace diversity. DCA members will be invited to participate.
Keep a look out here for more exciting projects. For more information or to partner with DCA on research, contact Jane O'Leary.