Perceptions of Internal Organizational Diversity Efforts of Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color Working in Public Relations

Abstract

This thesis explores how Black, Indigenous, and women of color (BIWOC) working in public relations perceive their workplace diversity and inclusion efforts. Some perceptions of workplace diversity and inclusion efforts were based on participants’ identities and experiences, while others were based in ways that the public relations industry can improve workplace diversity and inclusion efforts. This project seeks to understand how BIWOC’s unique standpoint makes their experiences as public relations professionals different from the experiences of others. To do so, 11 interviews were conducted with BIWOC who currently work in public relations. Then, a thematic analysis of those interviews was completed. This thesis explains how BIWOC’s identities influence their experiences in the public relations industry in relation to workplace diversity and inclusion efforts.