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: Hardback
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 issue, it is important for organizational leaders to invest in training and development programs that focus on diversity and inclusion. These programs should provide leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to create and implement effective strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in their organizations.

In addition, organizational leaders should also prioritize the creation of a culture of diversity and inclusion within their organizations. This culture should be reinforced through policies, practices, and behaviors that promote respect, empathy, and understanding among employees and stakeholders.

Finally, organizational leaders should be held accountable for their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. They should be measured and evaluated based on their progress in creating and implementing effective strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion.

In conclusion, having a diverse organization only improves and enhances businesses. However, poorly implemented diversity programs can have damaging effects on the organization and the individuals they attempt to help. To address this issue, organizational leaders should invest in training and development programs that focus on diversity and inclusion, prioritize the creation of a culture of diversity and inclusion, and be held accountable for their efforts. By doing so, organizations can thrive in a networked world where diversity and inclusion are essential for success.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032027333