Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

<--Please Select Department-->

First Reader/Committee Chair

Carolyn McAllister

Abstract

This research proposal explores social workers’ attitudes toward diversity within organizations. The goal is to measure individual perception, beliefs, and receptiveness to diversity. The ATD scale measures attitudes across different dimensions, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and cultural differences. Bachelor's of social work and Master’s of social work professionals working within an organization will answer the scale and results analyzed.

Diversity is the presence of a wide range of differences among people and groups. These characteristics can be visible or invisible and make individuals unique. Diversity also involves recognizing, valuing, and respecting those individual differences. Diversity fosters inclusive environments where everyone feels included, heard, or empowered to contribute.

It is important that social workers understand their attitudes toward diversity. Social workers can use this information to guide them in providing culturally competent, equitable, and effective services. The ATD can help identify biases, guide professional growth, and support culturally inclusive training programs. Furthermore, diversity is important in social work organizations as it promotes culturally competent services, reduces biases and strengthens advocacy, enhances problem-solving and innovation, and reflects the communities they serve. The proposed research focuses on existing literature and diversity scales to discuss social workers’ attitudes towards diversity within organizations.

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