Diversity in the World of Communications

LET’S TALK ABOUT DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE WORLD OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS.

This topic is more important than ever, and we need to begin increasing our awareness of it. Recently, in a leaked staff memo from Interpublic Group of Cos. (IPG)-- one of the top holding companies for PR and marketing agencies including Golin, Weber Shandwick, and others-- diversity numbers were revealed:

“According to the chart, only 2.6 percent of IPG's senior executives and managers are black or African American (compared to the sector stat of 2.4 percent); 5.5 percent are Asian (lower than the sector stat of 10.1 percent); 84.9 percent are white (higher than the sector stat of 82.5 percent); and 5.2 percent are Hispanic or Latinx (compared to the sector stat of 3.6 percent)” (AdAge June 12, 2020). 

These shockingly low numbers show that diversity continues to be a major challenge. The Black Lives Matter movement has forced companies to reflect on these statistics, re-examine their company culture, hiring practices, and values, and take purposeful steps to make some serious, long-term changes.

In the field of PR, some companies are putting out statements or memos on their social media platforms, such as “We stand in solidary with the Black Lives Matter movement.” Some companies have invited Black executives and employees to take part in conversations about how their company should address D&I. Some companies have reacted by placing more people of color in their advertisements and campaigns. Take the Bachelor franchise for example; they recently announced their first Black bachelor. However, many experts say these efforts are not enough. These efforts are short-term, reactive rather than reflective and lasting, and in some cases, such as the Bachelor franchise, are inauthentic and simply convenient.  

Instead, we need to see companies explicitly detail the changes they will make, set a timeline, and other metrics for accountability, to create more opportunities for diverse people in their companies now and in the future. Moreso, we need to see them start to take action that is consistent with their statements. Take Reddit, for example. They did it right. The founder Alexis Ohanian recently stepped down from his position on Reddit’s board and asked to be replaced by a Black candidate. He led his statement of making more of an effort to have people of color in leadership positions with action, not just words. By creating room for a Black board member, structural, long-term changes will ensue, as diverse voices in leadership positions are integral to making a difference. Having diverse people in leadership roles will allow companies to have a real understanding of their audience and the diversity that exists within it. 

Now, you may be thinking, “How does all of this apply to me? Corporate America seems like a ‘future’ thing, so why should I focus on the issue of diversity in it now?” The answer: Because we, as college students, are the future of these companies. We need to start educating ourselves on the current events not just in the world as it pertains to diversity and inclusion, but also in the industries we will be working in. The Communications industry is especially important, as PR, marketing, and advertising have the weighted power to influence, inspire, and encourage thought and behavior. 

So if we want to work in such an influential industry, we need to make sure we are properly educated on important issues such as diversity. You’ve already started the process by reading this article. What can you do going forward? Follow PR, marketing, and advertising professionals that are people of color on LinkedIn. Keep up to date with content from people in Diversity and Inclusion positions as well. Schedule a coffee chat with these individuals, ask questions, be vulnerable, be curious, and be open to learning beyond your scope. Be comfortable with the uncomfortable because, only then, we are able to change.

Here is a list of resources that you can start with: 

GuidesUCA Bruins