Underrepresentation of Minorites Serving in Leadership Roles in the Federal Government

December 3, 2025

Underrepresentation of Minorites Serving in Leadership Roles in the Federal Government

Dennis Charles Daniels | 2022

Abstract

This research will explore and lay out critical information to federal government leaders on why minorities’ underrepresentation in leadership is a significant issue that leaders must address. In fact, with over 2.1 million employees, one of America’s largest employers, the federal government, conducts critical missions worldwide. Even with tremendous success over the past 229 years, minorities’ underrepresentation in leadership roles is a severe issue. Gathers-Whatley and Chase (2018) state, “there is a lack of minority representation at the senior executive ranks within the federal government. While minorities make up a sizable percentage of lower-level government employees, their percentages decline progressively up through the senior levels” (p. 2). Although the population in the United States has become more diverse over the past two decades, the lack of diversity in leadership roles in the federal government does not reflect America’s demographic diversity and is still moving at a languid pace.

As the operational environment evolves and technology advances, the federal government must set the example for other organizations to mirror and be the model organization for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). In 2020, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985, which states, “the federal government must strengthen its ability to recruit, hire, develop, promote, and retain our Nation’s talent and remove barriers to equal opportunity” (Alms, 2021, p. 1). Leaders are responsible for setting the tone, behavior, and culture for their organizations. Equally important, they must be honest, transparent, and afford qualified minorities the opportunity to grow, learn, and serve as leaders in their organizations. One of the many strengths that separates the United States from other countries is diversity and opportunity. Kohli, Gans, and Hairston (2011) state that establishing a plan to decrease the gap between minorities and Whites in the federal government in a leadership role is critical. Allowing minorities to serve and participate in leadership roles will not only increase the agency’s numbers, but more importantly, improve the organization. One of the best investments the federal government can make is to increase the underrepresentation of minorities serving in leadership roles as a 21st century organization.

Keywords: Federal Government, United States, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, Leadership, and Opportunity

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