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Does diversity improve profits and shareholder returns? Evidence from top rated companies for diversity by DiversityInc

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  • Filbeck, Greg
  • Foster, Benjamin
  • Preece, Dianna
  • Zhao, Xin

Abstract

In this study, we examine the relationship between the diversity efforts of firms listed in DiversityInc's list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity and their financial performance. We examine both an announcement effect and the risk-adjusted performance of diverse firms to a matched sample and the S&P 500 index. We find a positive effect related to the announcement of the DiversityInc Top Companies for Diversity list. When examining long-term performance using the risk-adjusted performance of listed companies, DiversityInc firms outperform the S&P 500 index but have performance that is either indistinguishable or inferior to a matched sample. DiversityInc firms exhibit superior return on assets compared to the matched sample, but this difference is explained by differences in firm size. Overall, we find limited support that inclusion in DiversityInc's list of top firms for diversity indicates improved performance over a matched sample.

Suggested Citation

  • Filbeck, Greg & Foster, Benjamin & Preece, Dianna & Zhao, Xin, 2017. "Does diversity improve profits and shareholder returns? Evidence from top rated companies for diversity by DiversityInc," Advances in accounting, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 94-102.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:advacc:v:37:y:2017:i:c:p:94-102
    DOI: 10.1016/j.adiac.2017.02.001
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    Cited by:

    1. Yana SELIVERSTOVA & Anita PIEROG, 2021. "A Theoretical Study On Global Workforce Diversity Management, Its Benefits And Challenges," CrossCultural Management Journal, Fundația Română pentru Inteligența Afacerii, Editorial Department, issue 1, pages 117-124, July.
    2. Foster, Benjamin P. & Manikas, Andrew & Preece, Dianna & Kroes, James R., 2021. "Noteworthy diversity efforts and financial performance: Evidence from DiversityInc's top 50," Advances in accounting, Elsevier, vol. 53(C).
    3. Tomasz Sosnowski & Anna Wawryszuk-Misztal, 2019. "Diversity on management and supervisory board and accuracy of management earnings forecasts in IPO prospectuses," Ekonomia i Prawo, Uniwersytet Mikolaja Kopernika, vol. 18(3), pages 347-363, September.
    4. Benjamin P. Foster & Andrew S. Manikas & James R. Kroes, 2023. "Which diversity measures best capture public company value?," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(1), pages 236-247, January.

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