What's in an Index: Opening Pandora's Box on Equality and Diversity Indices

Research utilizing equality and diversity benchmarks and indices -- such the UN Gender Inequality Index or SHRM Global Diversity Readiness Index -- has been scarce, although it has the potential to generate research clusters and foster greater comparative research work. The indices can be used to benchmark and assist with public policy setting aimed at eliminating inequality and improving the welfare of socially disadvantaged. There have been critiques that some indices were biased, rigid, and simplistic. This symposium seeks to unpack these indices to: (1) identify the strengths and weaknesses inherent within each index, and (2) uncover potential biases in indicators that may potentially exist. The goal is to develop a more targeted Global Diversity and Inclusion Index that is useful for facilitating cross-national and comparative research on equality and diversity. This symposium is an outcome of the Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmarking Caucus (AOM# 10106) at the 2016 AOM Meeting in Chicago. The ...