Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr Anna Cody says concept of 'merit' needs to expand to reflect the diversity of talent in communities
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr Anna Cody has called on employers across Australia to rethink what "merit" means, saying it is an outdated concept in workplaces.
In a speech at the National Press Club, Cody said "merit" should be redefined to reflect Australia's diversity.
"I call on our workplaces to redefine merit so it reflects the true breadth of Australia's diverse capabilities, and confront how our current systems of recognition are shaped by gender and race," the commissioner said in her speech.
She made the remarks as she called out the application of "merit" as an outdated concept that is holding women back from having leadership positions.
"Psychological research reveals that merit-based evaluations are prone to bias, particularly racial and gender bias, and advantages those who fit traditional stereotypes of 'a professional,'" she said.
"It means that people tend to see merit in those who are 'like them.'"
Cody illustrated her point through the story of "Diya," who is representative of an Australian worker from a culturally diverse background.
"When Diya doesn't get the promotion, she is told she is not the right fit for the role. It's not because she lacks the skills and experience, but because she doesn't fit the narrow image of what 'merit' is supposed to look like," she said.
"This is how bias hides behind the language of merit, and how talented individuals like Diya are overlooked – not just for promotions, but for recognition and value."
Redefining 'merit' at work
Rethinking the concept of merit could mean measuring an individual's potential instead of accomplishments, according to Cody.
This could also mean placing value in collective contributions as a team or organisation rather than an individual.
"We must critique the ideas of merit which reinforce the status quo and instead broaden our understanding of how leadership and collaboration must centre a diversity of skills, experiences, and qualifications," Cody said.
"The challenge is clear: to expand our concept of merit to reflect the full diversity of talent in our communities. When we do this, it enables us to value the full range of contributions people make – not just in the workplace, but also at home."
