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DEI Backtracking: When Political Ideology and Organizational History Collide

In this session of the International Business Seminar Series, Prof. Dr. Patrick Haack presents his research on “DEI Backtracking” – the reversal of previous commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He explores how political ideology and organizational history shape stakeholders’ responses to such reversals.

What happens when organizations change their position on diversity, equity, and inclusion? Prof. Dr. Patrick Haack examines how stakeholders respond to DEI backtracking and how political ideology and an organization’s history shape these responses.

Drawing on nationally representative surveys and three experiments, the research shows that stakeholders judge organizations not only by where they stand today, but also by how they got there. Reversing previous DEI commitments can strengthen pragmatic legitimacy while undermining moral and cognitive legitimacy.

IBSS 2026

Register now for the event on 17 September 2026

Bild von Patrick Haack

Prof. Dr. Patrick Haack is Professor of Strategy and Responsible Management and Director of the Department of Strategy, Globalization and Society at HEC Lausanne, University of Lausanne. He is also an International Research Fellow at the Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation and Director of the HEC Research Center for Grand Challenges.

His research focuses on organizational change, business transformation, and legitimacy. He is Associate Editor at the Journal of Management Studies and serves on the editorial review boards of several leading journals, including the Academy of Management Review, Journal of Management, and Organization Studies

IBSS 2026: Auf einen Blick

«DEI Backtracking: When Political Ideology and Organizational History Collide»

  • 17.09.2026
  • 12:30-13:30 Uhr
  • ZHAW School of Management and Law, Gebäude SW, Raum 221, und online
  • Online-Teilnahme: Sie erhalten den Link zum Webex-Seminar nach der Anmeldung

Die Veranstaltung findet auf Englisch statt.