Barriers to Diversity in Film – A Research Review – Aug 07

certain minority ethnic groups is very large. These groups can
be targeted to increase audiences for film.
• A diverse workforce can increase organisational effectiveness
and maximise use of talent. Companies that do not maximise
the potential from every group increasingly run the risk of
underperforming.
• Nurturing and developing talent will attract more people to
consider the possibility of working in the industry.
• Employee turnover may be reduced because of diversity
initiatives and this will lead to cost savings.
• Since the film business now is international, skills needed
include trading goods and services across borders and in
multiple languages. A diverse workforce will aid negotiation and
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communication, and represent a progressive image to the rest of
the world.
• As employers, companies have clear legal obligations to treat
staff fairly and equitably.
• Corporate reputations can be damaged by adverse publicity or
discrimination cases that reach the courts.
What we don’t know
• The link between diversity and financial performance is
unknown, and although studies show a link between gender
diversity and higher returns on equity, it is difficult to establish
causality.
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