The Black Corporate Directors Study
Ariel Study of Fortune 500 Black, Latino and Latina Board Members Shows that DEI Remains a Priority in Corporate Boardrooms, but Operational Rigor Wanes
In Fall 2023, Ariel Investments commissioned a study of 165 Black, Latino and Latina Fortune 500 corporate directors who attended the Black Corporate Directors Conference. Results—compared to the inaugural 2021 study—indicate declines in minority representation on boards, weakening infrastructure for DEI initiatives and a deep divide between leaders and workers on why DEI is important.
Ariel co-founded the Black Corporate Directors Conference in 2002 with Russell Reynolds Associates. Over two decades later, the event is held annually in partnership with Deloitte, bringing diverse directors together to share best practices for promoting the civil rights agenda within their respective boardrooms. The convening also fosters a talent referral network for more minorities on boards.
Black Investor Surveys
Historical Black Investor SurveysSaving and Investing Among Higher Income African-Americans and White Americans
The main objectives of this research are the following:
- Identify similarities and differences between middle-class African-Americans and Whites with regard to saving and investing.
- Examine the factors, particularly past influences and underlying beliefs, that may impact how African-Americans and Whites think about financial matters.
- Determine any shifts in attitudes or behaviors over time.
- Assess the expectations and issues that African-Americans and Whites face in their financial futures.
The Ariel/Aon Hewitt Study (April 3, 2012)
A Study of 401(k) Savings Disparities Across Racial and Ethnic Groups Following the Great Recession
The Ariel/Aon Hewitt study, 401(k) Plans in Living Color II, examined the defined contribution plans of 60 large U.S. organizations, representing 2.4 million employees. The results reveal retirement plans of African-Americans and Hispanics were hit especially hard during the Great Recession. Key recommendations are outlined for policy makers and employers to help minority workers adequately prepare for retirement.
The Ariel/Hewitt Study (July 7, 2009)
A Study of 401(k) Savings Disparities Across Racial and Ethnic Groups
This ground-breaking study is the most in-depth analysis of 401(k) data by race and ethnicity. The study examined retirement savings patterns for 3 million participants at 57 of the largest companies in the U.S. The results were truly astounding. Race or ethnicity deeply influences an individual’s retirement readiness. The study provides concrete recommendations for employees, employers and the government to help fix this retirement gap. Many of these recommendations are currently being adopted by various government agencies, employers and employees.