Signal Fires: The Use of Diversity Value Signaling in Local Government Job Advertisements Following the Summer of Racial Reckoning

Abstract

Following the events of the summer of 2020, public and private sector organizations have engaged in a variety of actions related to promoting, valuing, and celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Perhaps due to their role as direct providers of public safety, local governments are along the front lines of DEI efforts and values. Using a novel dataset of International City/County Management Association job advertisements from July 1, 2020–November 1, 2020, this article examines why some local hiring authorities utilize DEI signaling language in their job advertisements while others do not. Results indicate that both external and internal characteristics are associated with diversity value signaling in local government administrations.

Keywords

• diversity
• local government
• hiring