Promoting Diversity and Inclusion through Engagement: The APSA 2018 Hackathon

Abstract

Organizations—from academic and professional associations to private corporations and police forces—face challenges promoting diversity and inclusion among their workers and affiliates. Instead of training and regulations, recent research recommends mechanisms that engage managers and leaders in activities that involve behavioral changes. This article describes how we put the managerial engagement approach into practice by organizing a “Diversity and Inclusion Hackathon” at the 2018 annual meeting of the American Political Science Association. With 11 teams focused on a range of topics, the hackathon attracted more than 200 people and produced multiple outputs. It engaged scholars from a range of backgrounds, social identities, institutions, ranks, and beliefs in the generation of new norms, programmatic ideas, and plans for the profession. Although we cannot infer causality, analysis of the APSA Annual Meeting evaluation survey reveals that hackathon participants are significantly more likely to express positive perceptions of the conference.

Inclusive and Non-Inclusive Networks

“…(Respondent 94) What can be done? Building on other proposed solutions that highlight the importance of reshaping norms and behavior among all political scientists (Htun 2019), we offer some suggestions. Because an individual's network is likely non-inclusive, those in a position to be a recommender or to make personnel decisions should look beyond their immediate networks in making recommendations.…”

Safety First Means Safety Fits: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Gender and Personal Protective Equipment Feminist Hackathon

“…Hackathons often invite people who use the product to participate so the finished design or product can better fit their needs. Although initially used to improve computer and software applications in the tech industry, hackathons have evolved into events that find solutions for social issues that can use technology to help -including diversity and inclusion (Htun, 2019), breast pumps (D'Ignazio et al, 2016), and affordable housing (Ivory Innovations, 2023).…”

Building Inclusive Student Innovation Competitions, Exhibitions, and Training Programs

“…In particular, we aimed to answer these questions for underrepresented students in entrepreneurship. Currently, a very small percentage of underrepresented students take advantage of entrepreneurship programs (Bryant et al, 2012;Htun, 2019;Wilson et al, 2007). As the center of gravity in higher education moves outside the classroom and employers look for more diverse and distinctive activities on students' resumes, this low participation of underrepresented groups may put them in a disadvantaged position in their career development.…”

“…These programs vary from idea competitions, where students only pitch their ideas, to summer start-up boot camps, where students receive extensive training and mentoring. Most of the papers published on ICETs focus on introducing these programs and summarizing student projects (e.g., (Brentnall et al, 2018;Govern & Marsch, 2001;Htun, 2019;Richard et al, 2015;Wankat, 2005)). These studies are very macro, using experience introduction or narrative, and the conclusion is that ICETs positively affect participants.…”