EXPRESS: U.S. Public Sector Supplier Diversity: an Intersectional Invisibility Perspective

Abstract

Motivated by a desire to understand who benefits from public-sector supplier diversity, and why, we conducted a comparative case study across six U.S. state-level supplier diversity programs. We collected/analyzed qualitative data via semi-structured interviews with high-level state leaders and collected spending data via 2017–2021 semiannual/annual reports. We found that businesses owned by White women benefit more from supplier diversity programs than those owned by ethnic minorities (Blacks, Hispanics, Indigenous, and Asians). Adopting an intersectional invisibility perspective, we conduct within- and cross-case analyses of the collected data, we highlight key themes and make several recommendations for how public-sector supplier diversity programs can systemically address disparities and improve their performance. We also offer recommendations for future research into this ecosystem.