Context matters? The influence of happiness, trust, democracy and economic development on DEI policies in communications in Latin America and the Caribbean

Purpose Although significant research has been developed in the Global North regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the communication field, the subject has been neglected in the Latin American and Caribbean region. The purpose of this paper is twofold: on the one hand, this article analyzes to what extent DEI policies are implemented in LAC organizations, and on the other, it examines how four contextual variables (trust, democracy, economic development and happiness) impact the development of DEI in the region. Design/methodology/approach A dataset corresponding to the 2022/2023 edition of the Latin American Communication Monitor is used. For the study of DEI policies and their relationship with communication management in the region, four dimensions of study are defined, as well as two indices related to DEI. Findings The most relevant category linked to DEI for LAC professionals is generation and age, above other usually more consolidated categories such as gender or sexual orientation. As for contextual variables, only democracy seems to really influence the incorporation of DEI policies in communications, given that generalized trust would not affect their implementation, while happiness and economic development do not show conclusive evidence. Originality/value This study can contribute to expanding the knowledge on the corporate communication field by conducting contextualized and more inclusive research and, therefore, decolonizing proposals from the Global North.