title: The benefits of sexual orientation diversity in sport organizations.
abstract: While sexual orientation diversity can potentially serve as a source of competitive advantage, researchers have largely failed to fully articulate the theoretical linkage between this diversity form and organizational effectiveness. As such, we propose a theoretical framework to understand these dynamics. Sexual orientation diversity is posited to positively contribute to organizational effectiveness through three mechanisms: enhanced decision making capabilities, improved marketplace understanding, and goodwill associated with engaging in socially responsible practices. We also propose two approaches to leveraging the benefits of sexual orientation diversity: targeting the categorization process and creating a proactive and inclusive diversity culture. Contributions and implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Diversity in Sport, Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4243, USA. gbcunningham@hlkn.tamu.edu
authors.forename: George B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Cunningham
authors.forename: E Nicole
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Melton
mesh_terms: D003132:Commerce; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D015279:Organizational Culture; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013177:Sports