The Tech DEI Backlash -- The Changing Landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Software Engineering

TL;DR

This paper investigates how leading software companies have altered their DEI strategies in response to recent backlash, revealing varied responses and introducing a visual DEI Universe Map to illustrate industry trends.

Contribution

It provides a novel grey literature analysis of recent DEI strategy shifts in top software firms, a topic with limited prior scholarly research.

Findings

Companies are rethinking DEI strategies, either reducing, increasing, or renaming initiatives.

Some firms maintain their DEI efforts despite political challenges.

Introduction of the DEI Universe Map visualizes industry trends.

Abstract

Not long ago, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives were a top priority for leading software companies. However, in a short period, a wave of backlash has led many firms to re-assess their DEI strategies. Responding to this DEI backlash is crucial in academic research, especially because, currently, little scholarly research has been done on it. In this paper, therefore, we have set forth the following research question (RQ): "How have leading software companies changed their DEI strategies in recent years?" Given the novelty of the RQ and, consequently, the lack of scholarly research on it, we are conducting a grey literature study, examining the current state of DEI initiatives in 10 leading software companies. Based on our analysis, we have classified companies into categories based on their shift in commitment to DEI. We can identify that companies are indeed responding to the backlash by rethinking their strategy, either by reducing, increasing, or renaming their DEI initiatives. In contrast, some companies keep on with their DEI strategy, at least so far, despite the challenging political climate. To illustrate these changes, we introduce the DEI Universe Map, a visual representation of software industry trends in DEI commitment and actions.