Civil Rights Audits: A Good Value

What do civil rights laws, emerging technology and the business community have in common? The growing demands for civil rights audits.

There are several reasons businesses should conduct civil rights audits. First, it makes cents. Literally. Research has shown that a company's reputation accounts for 63% of its market value. Of course, reputation is influenced by a myriad of factors, including quality of services, quality of employees, ethics and values, corporate culture, and diversity and inclusion to name a few. Promoting a culture of respect for civil rights directly—and positively—impacts three of the five foregoing reputational factors. In other words, a civil rights audit enhances a company's demonstrated values, corporate culture and diversity efforts. These enhancements lead to a better reputation. A better reputation measurably leads to a higher market value. A civil rights audit makes good financial sense.