Searching for diversity: An overview of Italian Cultural Institutes boards of directors

Abstract

The theme of diversity has been debated in the era of globalization in response to affirmations of human and gender rights, and many studies have analysed board diversity within for-profit organizations. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating the role of demographic and non-demographic characteristics (such as educational and occupational background) among cultural organizations and the non-profit sector. Italian cultural institutions have been grouped together in a website by a private association called the Italian Association of Cultural Institutes (AICI). This website was used to collect information about these cultural organizations and to map their boards in terms of visible (demographic) and invisible (non-demographic) variables of diversity. Thus, diversity was explored among the board members of 111 private foundations and associations, studying age, gender, nationality, and educational and professional backgrounds. This article will highlight how Italian cultural organizations have low degrees of diversity within their boards of directors.