Diversity Reporting in Germany – an Empirical Investigation of DAX30 Companies

Abstract

In recent years, diversity of employees has become a major topic both of academic and of political discussions. “Diversity refers to any mixture of items characterized by differences and similarities” (Thomas 1996, p. 5). It is a quite comprehensive definition, which allows for multiple forms of diversity and is thus less prone to stereotypes and prejudice. Typical characteristics used to identify differences and similarities are gender, age, nationality, social or other forms of ethnographical background. Since societal and political discussion about these topics shape the business environment of companies, information about the current diversity of a company and its development is important, both for the company itself and for its perception by customers, employees and other stakeholders.

Prof. Dr. Clemens Werkmeister, Wilhelm-Löhe Universität, Fürth.