Diversity Research

Diversity is a given. Managing for diversity is not. While minority- and women-owned small businesses are growing rapidly, this important business sector has remained understudied… until now.

The Business and Economic Development Center at the University of Washington Foster School of Business has assembled the largest group of faculty in the nation who focus their research on diversity in business. UW Foster School research covers areas of minority and women entrepreneurship, leadership and management diversity, and multicultural marketing.

National Diversity in Business Research Conference
Held every even-numbered year, this conference draws faculty from a wide range of disciplines to share their research related to diversity issues. Conferences were held in 2006 and 2008. The 2010 conference will be announced in early 2009 and will again be held at the UW Foster School of Business.

Washington Minority Small Business Survey
The Business and Economic Development Center publishes the only statewide minority business survey in the nation. Published twice annually, this survey examines the strengths and challenges that minority-owned firms in Washington face.

Sponsored Research and Business Leader Connection
Foster School faculty receive funding from the Business and Economic Development Center to conduct and publish research related to diversity in business. Each year, the center hosts a seminar for business leaders to hear about management implications of our faculty’s research.