Comparing diversity reporting across countries

This study shows how banks in different countries and languages communicate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. It analyzes corporate sustainability reports from banks in Brazil, Italy, and the United States over several years, complemented by insights from expert interviews. The aim was to understand how diversity reporting is presented in both text and images, and whether companies communicate across languages in similar ways worldwide or adapt their messages to local social contexts. The findings reveal that reports are often used as a strategic tool to meet the expectations of investors and rating agencies. As a result, a similar, globally shared style of communication has emerged, in which local specificities and differing social realities are often less visible. Despite this global alignment, some differences remain: certain diversity dimensions receive varying levels of attention depending on the context. In this case study of Brazil, Italy, and the United States, these differences are particularly evident in how ethnic background, age, and disability are addressed. These variations can be linked to historical, legal, and social frameworks in each country. The study highlights that the way diversity, equity, and inclusion are communicated also reflects which aspects are prioritized within organizations. When reporting is primarily driven by formal (global) requirements, there is a risk that important perspectives or structural inequalities specific to a given context are not sufficiently addressed. The findings provide guidance on how organizations, regulators, and other stakeholders can design and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion reporting in ways that not only ensure transparency but also contribute to fairer and more inclusive workplaces. Reporting can thus be more than a formal obligation it can serve as an opportunity to foster responsible business practices. Finally, the author proposes a research approach that deliberately incorporates multiple languages and national contexts while taking a sensitive approach to language use. In doing so, the study contributes to research in business communication and the broader field of diversity studies by advancing an approach that seeks to be inclusive and to better reflect the diversity of the research field itself.

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