Document Type

Report

Publisher

Western Australia Marketing Association / Edith Cowan University

School

School of Business and Law

Comments

Morgan, A., Fong-Emmerson, M., D'Alessandro, S., Ryan, M., Palmyre, T., Lemerle, R. (2024). A way to go: Diversity, equity and inclusion in WA's marketing industry. The Western Australia Marketing Association.

Abstract

This report provides rich insight into the state of diversity and inclusion in the West Australian marketing and commercially creative industries. While most respondents say that diversity and inclusion is important and should be a business priority, the discrimination and exclusion experienced is still substantial.

There is a significant difference in views between people working in agencies compared to in-house marketing roles. More in-house marketers see their workplaces as diverse and inclusive and say team members and senior leadership value DEI, compared to those in agencies. While 82% of in-house marketers say people can succeed at their workplace irrespective of background, this number drops to 66% in agencies. 21% of all respondents do not agree that diversity and inclusion should be a business priority.

The findings highlight nuanced experiences, with many respondents facing or witnessing discrimination, and some have reported feelings of exclusion. This study found that discrimination is not limited to certain marginalised groups and feelings of exclusion can be widely experienced. Working conditions, management, and leadership significantly impact employees’ sense of inclusion or exclusion in the workplace. Personal beliefs of inclusion, equal opportunities for growth, social connectedness, and diversity in the workplace hold a critical influence on individuals’ perceived inclusion.

The report emphasises the importance of support, training, and education within the marketing industry, with call out for a genuine long-term authentic commitment to inclusive workplaces as opposed to tick box policies and initiatives.

DOI

10.25958/d731-t949

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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Marketing Commons

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.25958/d731-t949