FOSTERING INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY IN MARKETING AND SOCIETY

        Research is needed to inform companies’ efforts to promote inclusion and diversity, both in their own operations and in understanding and meeting the needs of various constituents. Researchers must also take into account potential biases in their theories, research designs and explanatory models— especially as these inform AI algorithms and corporate decision making that may have unintended consequences or perpetuate existing biases that harm specific groups. 13 Tier 1 • How can inclusion and diversity in consumer research, marketing and other teams improve their decision making to enhance companies’ understanding of specific customer segments while avoiding stereotypes? • Under what circumstances is consumer behavior best explained by factors such as level of economic/market development, institutions, socio-economic class (inequality), systemic racism, etc. rather than individual psychological factors? By cultural factors? By social networks? How can these perspectives be combined for a more holistic understanding of consumer behavior? • What is the proper role of companies in promoting inclusion and diversity in their own operations? In society at large? How do consumers and other constituents view these actions, and what are the consequences for brand management? For corporate reputation? For investor relations? Tier 2 • How can schools and companies address the barriers underrepresented minorities face in hiring, training and career development to fully participate as marketing professionals? • How can laboratory studies of consumer decision making be extrapolated to the real world where the specific context and cultural, social and other factors affect outcomes? • How will evolving public policies and regulations on inclusion and diversity shape companies’ own efforts? How, in turn, can or should companies seek to influence these policies and regulations?