“What are the barriers to inclusive leadership?” The Wharton School recently announced a partnership with Deloitte, a consulting and advisory company, to research and resolve this pressing question.
The school and firm plan to collaborate to gain a more nuanced understanding of effective sponsorship and mentorship of minorities. Their efforts will build on previous research conducted by Wharton Professor Stephanie Creary. Her research suggests that leaders may provide their racial minority direct reports with qualitatively different types of support. The partnership’s new research will survey managers from racial minority and majority groups. Additionally, they will conduct a field experiment to test actions managers can take to improve team inclusiveness.
Based on the research findings, Wharton and Deloitte hope to develop more inclusive leadership within their institutions and other organizations. Specifically, Wharton’s McNulty Leadership Program will deliver annual workshops tailored to Wharton’s undergraduate, MBA and Executive MBA communities. Moreover, Wharton faculty and staff will help integrate this content in its other programs.
“To truly be a diverse and inclusive workplace, organizations need to create an environment where all employees are supported, engaged and, ultimately, able to succeed without compromising their individualism and authenticity,” said Dan Helfrich, chairman and chief executive officer, Deloitte Consulting LLP. “Inclusive leaders set the tone for that type of workplace and through this initiative we hope to advance diversity, equity and inclusion within our own organization and the broader business community.”
Dean of The Wharton School, Erika James added, “While leaders need these solutions right now, our students are hungry for the knowledge that will help them ‘be the change’ in the sectors they choose for their future careers. They all want a blueprint. We want to provide it.”
Read The Wharton School’s recent news release for more details about their inclusive leadership initiatives in partnership with Deloitte.
