Strengthening the Economic Case
Published 2018
About this Report
The report is published by Open For Business, a coalition of global companies organized as a charity with the objective of promoting LGBT+ inclusion.
What is the report’s purpose?
This report aims to present a comprehensive evidence base for global LGBT+ inclusion, in order to demonstrate that successful businesses thrive in diverse, inclusive societies and the spread of anti-LGBT+ policies runs counter to the interests of business and economic development. This is the second report from Open For Business: it updates and extends the evidence base, and has a special focus on the economic case for LGBT+ inclusion in cities.
What is its scope?
This report sets out the case for inclusion and diversity, with a specific focus on LGBT+. It brings together a broad base of research undertaken from different perspectives and covering different geographies and sectors, and identifies themes that are globally relevant.
Who is it for?
This report is intended to set out the evidence that will empower those making the case against LGBT+ discrimination, wherever it exists in the world.
Who are the authors?
Companies supporting Open For Business contributed their global perspectives, experience and expertise on the business case for LGBT+ inclusion, and they actively participated in shaping the argument throughout the development of this report. The Open For Business team undertook the final analysis and writing of the report, led by Jon Miller and Lucy Parker of the Brunswick Group. Ann-Kathrin Richter led the research on the core evidence base; Ruairidh Macintosh led the research on the cities section of the report; Drew Keller is the Open For Business Program Director. Additional research on Global Challengers was undertaken by Boston Consulting Group.
Open, inclusive and diverse societies are better for business and better for economic growth.
The first Open For Business report synthesized a broad and fragmented evidence base into a clear and comprehensive economic case. It pulled upon the many strands of work that have studied the subject from different angles, including economic growth and development, business performance and productivity, and human resources and talent management. It helped to reframe the global debate on LGBT+ inclusion: as well as a moral imperative, it presented a compelling economic case.
In the two years since the first report was published, we have seen how the economic case for LGBT+ inclusion has the power to catalyze a consensus in the global business community, as well as fueling conversations on-the-ground in countries with anti-LGBT+ policies. This second report aims to build on this momentum. It updates and strengthens the economic case, and it represents the most comprehensive evidence base published to date on LGBT+ inclusion.
The business and economic case for LGBT+ inclusion exists on three levels – economic performance, business performance and individual performance – and the evidence base is presented in the 27 Propositions, outlined opposite. This report also focuses on a compelling dimension of the economic case: cities. Cities have become a top priority for policymakers and politicians around the world because of their potential to drive economic growth.
This report presents the evidence that open and diverse cities are more competitive. LGBT+ inclusion sends a clear signal that a city has a tolerant, dynamic cultural life, and that it is a globally integrated place to do business.
Report structure
Part 1: The Global Situation. The report begins by describing the backlash against LGBT+ inclusion that is taking place in many parts of the world, and shows how this is a concern for many in the global business community. Companies are working to curb discrimination and promote diversity in their workplaces, and this becomes difficult in countries that are hostile to LGBT+ people. In the last couple of years, the actions of many leading businesses show their strong support for LGBT+ inclusion, all over the world.
Part 2: Cities. This presents the economic case for LGBT+ inclusion in cities. Cities that are LGBT+ inclusive are better placed to develop their global competitiveness: evidence shows they have stronger “innovation ecosystems”, greater concentrations of skills and talent, and better quality of life. LGBT+ inclusive cities are more likely to become globally connected hubs for high value businesses. This section introduces the Open For Business City Ratings, which assess to what extent a city is “open for business”.
Part 3: The Evidence Base. This is the most comprehensive presentation of evidence in support of global LGBT+ inclusion, updated based on a review of 166 new pieces of evidence – research papers, reports, articles and presentations. The evidence is presented as 27 propositions on three levels – economic performance, business performance and individual performance. It includes compelling new data connecting LGBT+ inclusion to greater national competitiveness and stronger company financial results.
Part 4: Coalition Action. Together with coalition partners, Open For Business has been working to promote the economic case for global LGBT+ inclusion, and this section presents a summary of activities: at a local level, working with senior business leaders to equip them for conversations with policymakers; at a global level, strengthening the consensus amongst the global business community. This section also presents the position and codes of conduct of all Open For Business coalition partners.
