Defining diversity: A mixed-method analysis of terminology in faculty applications

摘要: Abstract A desirable societal goal may not imply a common understanding of that goal. As organizations seek to foster inclusion through focus on diversity, the operational definition employed by stakeholders becomes important. This study focuses how candidates applying for employment address their diversity-related qualifications when specifically asked do so. model-driven qualitative coding system is used characterize terminology in cover letters 111 applicants post-doctoral faculty fellowship position at research university open all academic disciplines. Applicants describe strengths related developing curriculum and scholarship, aiding recruitment retention broad range students faculty, establishing community partnerships advance diversity. The analysis applicants’ indicates refer race, ethnicity, gender, class dimensions diversity most frequently, suggesting definitions tend be more limited traditionally legally established taxonomies human difference.