Celebrating the transformative power of diversity

October is the time of Black History Month and something we embrace fully at the business school. While, diversity, equity, and inclusion should be integral to every day, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the role of a business school in promoting a more equitable world, and within society how far we have come, and yet how far we have to go.

We are delighted to be hosting our annual Global Festival on 19^th October. We are privileged to have colleagues and students from a huge range of communities, cultures, and countries, and are excited to celebrate this rich cultural diversity at the festival. Everyone is welcome – it’s a fantastic opportunity to make new connections, have some fun with colleagues and friends, and learn more about different aspects of the business school and wider university.

Trying to achieve a fairer world and embracing diversity is the right thing to do and it brings so many advantages to both individuals and organisations.

Education generally is an industry with a rich tapestry of perspectives. It brings together individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. In our classrooms, this provides students with a holistic understanding of leadership and business problems. Diversity opens your mind to new ideas and prepares you for working in a diverse business environment.

Diversity improves decision-making. Teams made up of people with different backgrounds make better decisions. Research, including that of Exeter colleague, Dr Ruth Sealy has shown that inclusive teams are more effective at problem-solving and decision-making because they consider a wider range of perspectives, leading to more thoughtful and well-rounded choices.

Our corporate partners constantly tell us that diversity is key to attracting and retaining talent. A diverse and inclusive workplace is somewhere where individuals can thrive and be themselves. Equally, those organisations that prioritise diversity and inclusion build a positive reputation in the eyes of customers, partners, and investors.

We are very lucky at Exeter that we have a community that values the uniqueness of every individual, recognises the strength in our differences, and actively works towards a world where everyone can shine.

As we celebrate Black History Month and prepare for our Global Festival, I’d like to emphasise the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our business school and beyond. It’s a reminder in a world that is very troubled that embracing these values isn’t just a one-time event but having a commitment to building a brighter, fairer future for all people.