Abstract

This umbrella review synthesizes evidence from nine systematic reviews, encompassing 552 studies on antiracism training (ART) across diverse organizational and national contexts. Most ART programs aim to raise awareness of systemic racism, enhance cultural competence, and mitigate racial bias, though specific objectives vary by field. Findings indicate that while ART effectively increases knowledge and cultural competence, it often fails to achieve sustained behavioral transformation. Approximately 30% to 40% of studies reported challenges in securing long-term impact, and 25% showed limited success in reducing implicit biases. These shortcomings suggest that traditional ART approaches often overlook the emotional and psychological barriers that hinder enduring change. A case study by Du Plooy found that conventional diversity training can exacerbate insecurities, leading to increased negative behaviors and reinforcing existing biases. In contrast, the Theory of Enchantment (ToE) offers a promising alternative by integrating social–emotional components within ART, facilitating deeper attitudinal shifts and lasting organizational transformation. Overall, this review highlights the need for ART to move beyond cognitive awareness and incorporate social–emotional strategies to achieve sustained progress in dismantling systemic racism within organizations.