Unpacking Racial and Gender Diversity in the United States Gaming Industry: Analyzing the Experiences of Women and Minority Executives

Abstract

While we cannot overstate the importance of diversity and inclusion in the United States hospitality and tourism industry, its genuine application in the gaming sector often lags behind expectations. Despite possessing academic degrees and extensive experience, many women and ethnic minorities face considerable obstacles in securing suitable roles. Notwithstanding frequent positive affirmations and praise highlighting excellent performance, minorities are often passed up for candidates with less experience when management positions become available. Throughout my years as a senior leader, the powers that be have frequently relegated me to assistant or stand-in roles despite my extensive background, and I have watched as companies have promoted Whites and males over me. The critical question is, “Should people like me effectively advocate for our voices, or should we remain in the shadows of our colleagues?” This study utilizes publicly available information and intermittent storytelling to examine the demographics of executives in the gaming industry. The aim is to document racial and gender diversity, compare career advancement rates, illuminate existing disparities, explore the influencing factors, and expose the complex dynamics surrounding career progression within hospitality gaming.

Presenters

Da Keish Oribello
Student, Hospitality Management, Virginia State University, Virginia, United States

Ivan Turnipseed
Professor, Hospitality Management, Virgnia State University, Pennsylvania, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Organizational Diversity

KEYWORDS

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Gaming, Hospitality, Executives, Race, Gender, Minorities