Report “From Moment to Movement: DEI at the Tipping Point”, identifies Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s Evolution and Effectiveness. 

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New York, NY— In just four years, the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has experienced dramatic shifts—from a period of intense investment following the tragic killing of George Floyd in 2020 to significant backlash amid political opposition to DEI in 2024. This tumultuous journey raises pressing questions about DEI’s current relevance, direction, and resilience as both a discipline and a standard business practice.

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To explore these critical issues, the Korn Ferry Institute (KFI), in collaboration with the Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF) and GBEF’s leadership development arm, the Academy for Advancing Excellence, conducted an in-depth study into DEI’s progress and effectiveness. The research highlights both enduring strengths and emerging weaknesses within the DEI movement, many of which have gained prominence under recent scrutiny.

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“Our study, in partnership with the Korn Ferry Institute, highlights that diversity, equity, and inclusion can no longer serve as a peripheral concern—it's a business imperative," said President and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum Alphonso David. "Inclusion is a fundamental pillar for successful businesses, and society is better socially and economically when it is embraced."

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The study reveals a mixed landscape: while sectors such as financial services and advanced technology have continued to invest heavily in DEI initiatives, resulting in notable gains in brand recognition, employee engagement, and financial performance, other industries have seen a decline in their DEI commitments. For instance, despite an initial surge in DEI roles, the natural resources sector has struggled to maintain its momentum.

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The report, titled "From Moment to Movement: DEI at the Tipping Point," outlines the necessity for businesses to embrace a systems-level approach to integrate DEI deeply into their operations. By doing so, organizations can drive growth, foster innovation, and enhance competitiveness. 

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“Navigating social, economic, and geopolitical disruption in an increasingly complex business environment are on top of mind for business leaders across all sectors and industries” said Korn Ferry Institute Chief Diversity Officer J.T. Saunders. “Despite the rhetoric we are seeing around DEI, it remains a smart business strategy that enables organizations to engage all talent around these issues, while strategically driving innovation, growth, and ultimately, their competitive advantage.

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The study identifies five essential steps for transforming DEI from a transient trend into a foundational element of business success:

1. Empower all leaders to own DEI: After George Floyd’s murder, organizations invested more in DEI training and leadership development—these were seen as growing areas, according to 67% of the DEI professionals who responded to our survey. These results underscore the importance of educating and developing leaders, empowering them to drive progress forward. Embracing DEI at all organizational leadership levels is critical for business success.

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2. Leverage DEI to achieve greater innovation: Research shows diverse companies see 19% higher innovation revenue and inclusive teams are 75% more likely to execute ideas successfully. Furthermore, empowering diverse teams results in an 87% increase in better solutions and a 70% higher chance of accessing new markets.

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3. Build talent systems with inclusive design: With inclusive design insight, organizations can develop more effective talent management systems that level the playing field for overlooked employees, ultimately preventing the loss of hidden potential.

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4. Transform teams through technology: survey respondents agree that technology is essential for promoting DEI. Companies that employ technology and advanced analytics can seamlessly integrate evidence-based, equity-centered strategies into their culture and values.

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5. Provide value to all stakeholders: our survey data reveals that employees, community groups, and consumers have been key drivers of DEI initiatives, signaling a strong demand for more equity at the intersections of business and society.

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To review the full study and its findings, please visit https://www.kornferry.com/institute/from-moment-to-movement