Enacting diversity and equality as part of CSR policy: An agenda for change

Over the past two decades there has been a vast amount of research into diversity and equality within the UK construction industry. This has produced a body of literature which highlights the ways in which the industry inhibits a diverse workforce, as well as beginning to suggest ways in which the homogeneity of the industry’s workforce might be addressed. Yet despite both this focus and the growing body of legislation enforcing equal opportunities, construction remains a predominately white, male-oriented and hegemonic industry. Given this apparent resistance to embracing the diversity agenda, an alternative strategy could be to incorporate diversity and equality within the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda, particularly as this is a discourse which is currently gaining traction within many contracting and consulting organizations. This position paper critically reviews the CSR and diversity literatures, examining the extent to which CSR might provide a vehicle for enacting the diversity agenda and analyses its ability to make inroads in attracting, retaining and developing a diverse workforce. It is suggested that the transformative potential of CSR offers an alternative route through which diversity principles could be enacted within the industry; particularly with regard to consulting and contracting firms.