An article written by Dr. Katherine W Phillips discusses how diversity can actually make us smarter. When discussing diversity, we must first recognize that it is not always easy, and in some situations may be quite hard to achieve. In today’s “woke” culture, the term diversity in and of itself can cause anxiety. Not in the sense that it scares people, but more in the sense that individuals don’t want to do or say the wrong thing out of fear of backlash. Time and time again in society, corporations and individuals go above and beyond what is expected in their efforts of creating more diverse environments, and yet still face lawsuits. That being said, the top business leaders still remain limited to being mostly white men. While the benefits of diversity in the workplace might seem obvious, such as receiving a wide range of perspectives in order to have a more well-rounded product or service, the social benefits may not seem so apparent. Studies have shown that there are downsides to social diversity such as conflict and discomfort among group members, however, when various perspectives are put together, this can spark creativity, problem-solving, and unimaginable innovation. This concept, that diversity creates more well-rounded ideas and solutions, has been researched and proven over time.  

“We need diversity if we are to change, grow, and innovate,” says Dr. Katherine W. Phillips.

A study conducted at the University of Maryland and Columbia University researched the effects of gender diversity within top-performing firms. They found that having females in top management produced on average an added $42 million in firm value. In addition to gender, racial diversity can also have similar results. A study out of the University of Texas in Dallas found that firms that prioritized racial diversity had drastically better financial performance compared to those that did not. Although various studies have found various results, one thing is clear, there is no substantial downside to implementing racial diversity in the workplace. In her article, Phillips writes, “In an age of increasing globalization, a diverse workforce may provide both tangible and intangible benefits to firms over the long run, including increased adaptability in a changing market.” 

All in all, having diversity whether it be in the workplace or in social settings challenges traditional thinking, and at the end of the day, makes us smarter. When those around us have different experiences, views, and perspectives, we are all able to push one another to think in ways that we would never have before. When we are able to expand our mindset and challenge traditional views and thinking, we not only become better people, we also become more intelligent.