Rethinking Organizational Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Step-by-Step Guide for Facilitating Effective Change

Diversity is an $8 billion a year investment, but poorly implemented programs can have damaging effects. Training and creating diversity and inclusion positions are common solutions, but they can be ineffective. Organization development (OD) can help create a comprehensive change initiative to increase diversity and inclusion. This book outlines how to use OD to improve organization culture and processes, develop overall organization talent, and prevent personal preferences and biases from hindering the selection of the best talent for positions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Research has shown that having a diverse organization only improves and enhances businesses. Forbes and Time report that diversity is an $8 Billion a year investment. However, poorly implementing diversity programs have damaging effects on the organization and the very individuals these programs attempt to help. Poorly implemented programs can cause peers and subordinates to question decisions and lose faith in leadership. In addition, it can cause even the most confident individuals to doubt their own skillset and qualifications. Many organizations have turned to training to solve this complex issue.

Yet still, other organizations have created and filled diversity and inclusion positions to tackle the issue. The effects of these poorly implemented programs are highlighted during strenuous times such as the latest COVID-19 pandemic. Marginalized people are more marginalized, and resources and support do not reach everyone. Tasks such as providing technical support, conducting large group meetings, or distributing work obligations without seeing employees on a daily basis becomes more challenging.

Complex problems cannot be solved with simple solutions. Using organization development (OD) to develop a comprehensive change initiative can help. This book outlines how properly conducting an OD change initiative can effectively increase an organization's diversity and inclusion -- it is grounded in research-based literature on diversity and OD principles.

Many organizational leaders realize the key importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and multiculturalism in modern organizations. It is only through such efforts can organizations thrive in a networked world where much work is done virtually -- and often across borders.

But a common scenario is that leaders, regardless of their level of experience or expertise, may not fully understand the complexities of diversity and inclusion. They may not have the necessary skills or knowledge to create and implement effective strategies. As a result, their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion may be met with resistance or even backlash from employees or stakeholders.

To address this challenge, organizations need to invest in leadership development programs that focus on diversity and inclusion. These programs should provide leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively manage and promote diversity within their organizations. They should also provide them with the tools and resources they need to create and implement effective diversity and inclusion strategies.

In addition, organizations need to create a culture of diversity and inclusion that values and respects the differences of its employees and stakeholders. This culture should be reinforced through policies, practices, and programs that promote diversity and inclusion.

Finally, organizations need to measure and evaluate their diversity and inclusion efforts to ensure that they are making progress. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, and other metrics that measure the level of diversity and inclusion within the organization.

In conclusion, having a diverse organization only improves and enhances businesses. However, poorly implementing diversity programs can have damaging effects on the organization and the individuals these programs attempt to help. To address this challenge, organizations need to invest in leadership development programs that focus on diversity and inclusion, create a culture of diversity and inclusion, measure and evaluate their efforts, and promote diversity and inclusion through policies, practices, and programs. By doing so, organizations can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace that benefits all of its employees and stakeholders.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 177 x 253 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032027289