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The EThIC Model of Virtue-Based Allyship Development: A New Approach to Equity and Inclusion in Organizations

Meg A. Warren () and Michael T. Warren
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Meg A. Warren: Western Washington University
Michael T. Warren: University of British Columbia

Journal of Business Ethics, 2023, vol. 182, issue 3, No 10, 783-803

Abstract: Abstract As organizations take on grand challenges in gender equality, anti-racism, LGBTQ+ protections and workplace inclusion, many well-intentioned individuals from dominant groups (e.g., cisgender men, Caucasian, heterosexual) are stepping forward as allies toward underrepresented or marginalized group members (e.g., cisgender women, People of Color, LGBTQ+ identified employees). Past research and guidance assume an inevitable need for external motivation, reflected in the ‘business case’ for diversity and in top-down policies to drive equity and inclusion efforts. This qualitative study explored internal motivations in the form of morally motivated virtues of 25 peer-nominated exemplary allies serving in leadership positions. In-depth life/career story interviews were used to identify the virtues that supported their allyship journeys. Findings demonstrated that they tapped into several virtues that served distinct functions in a 4-stage allyship development process: Stage 1—Energizing psychological investment (compassion, fairness); Stage 2—Thinking through allyship-relevant complexities (intellectual humility, perspective-taking, wisdom); Stage 3—Initiating action (prudence, moral courage, honesty); Stage 4—Committing to allyship (perseverance, patience). We call this the ‘EThIC model of virtue-based allyship development.’ This study has implications for theory and research on a virtue-based approach to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Keywords: Virtue; Motivation; Prejudice reduction; Allyship development; Inclusion; Equity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s10551-021-05002-z

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