Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

• Diversity means including individuals with various group identities.
• Equality is when everyone has equal opportunities.
• Inclusion makes sure all employees feel like they belong.

Terms That Block DEI

• Bias is acting in favor of or against a group.
• Prejudice involves preconceived opinions about certain groups.
• A stereotype is a generalized belief about a group.
• Discrimination is inequality or exclusion based on stereotypes and prejudices.

Racial Diversity

• Racial diversity is increasing in the US, with the non-white population growing and the white population decreasing.
• Globally, racial diversity is also increasing as birth rates decrease and the white population shrinks.

Race and Ethnicity

• Race refers to physical differences (such as skin color).
• Ethnicity encompasses social attributes (like language and customs).
• Attitudes toward diversity can affect behavior.

Benefits of Racial Diversity vs Racism

• Racial diversity leads to better financial performance.
• Racism is discrimination based on racial group.
• Microaggressions are common indignities that communicate racial slights.
• To improve DEI looking at simple statistics can help.

Gender Pay Gaps

• Women experienced more job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Women generally earn less than men.
• Pay disparity exists based on race too.

Gender Stereotypes and Sexism

• Stereotypical language can be used to describe men and women.
• Certain jobs are often associated with a particular gender.
• There is a misconception that men are better leaders than women.
• Social media negatively impacts teens, especially girls.
• Sexism is discrimination based on sex or gender.
• More female managers do not guarantee equality for all women.

Barriers to Advancement (Gender)

• The glass ceiling refers to barriers to upward mobility.
• Women of color face concrete ceiling. Asian women face a bamboo ceiling.
• Women encounter invisible walls that prevent them from rising to CEO positions.
• Women may fall off a "glass cliff" if promoted.

Promoting Gender Equality

• Higher proportions of women in management correlate with higher profits.
• Many women executives are advocating for other women's advancement.

LGBTQ+ Definitions

• Lesbian: A female who is attracted to other women.
• Gay: People attracted to people of the same sex.
• Bisexual: A person attracted to the same or another gender.
• Transgender: A person whose gender identity differs from their birth sex.
• Queer or questioning: Describes a person who is not exclusively heterosexual.
• Non-binary: A person who does not identify as masculine or feminine.
• The plus (+) includes any other expression of gender or sexual orientation.

LGBTQ+ Protections

• The U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 did not mention sexual orientation.
• The Supreme Court ruling in 2020 protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation and identity.
• Openly LGBTQ+ executives are driving organizations to push for equality.

Age and Generations

• Four generations are currently in the workforce.
• Age diversity can bring both benefits and challenges like differences in knowledge, education, and experience, as well as negative stereotypes.

Disabilities

• Approximately 1 in 4 adults live with a disability.
• A disability is a mental or physical impairment that limits life activities.
• People with disabilities can perform jobs with accommodations.

Abilities

• Each employee can bring different KSAs (knowledge, skills, and attitudes).
• Teams with differing KSAs will maximize performance.

Religious Diversity

• Employers must accommodate employees' religious beliefs.
• Some religions face discrimination.

Other Types of Diversity

• Personality differences in coworkers.
• How people judge others based on their appearance.
• Increased gap between low and high income earners.
• Remote workers are the newest type of diversity group.

Equity and Inclusion

• Existing racial and class disparities are becoming more visible.
• Businesses and government should work together to improve any inequalities.
• Inclusion seeks to integrate everyone while maintaining their differences.

Importance of DEI

• Discrimination is illegal and unethical.
• Diversity is beneficial to business.
• The population will continue to diversify.

Being Personally DEI Focused

• Being inclusive means personal actions and speaking up.
• There are many ways of doing things, not just "our way".

Creating a Strong DEI Culture

• Strong DEI is associated with higher performance.
• Marketing, talent recruitment, problem-solving, costs, and profits can all be improved by DEI.
• Some may resist DEI changes, while others only perform surface-level changes.

DEI - Management and Organizational Commitment

• Leaders need to prioritize DEI in their organizations.
• Many companies hire Chief Diversity Officers.
• Focus on actual practice rather than compliance and public announcements.

DEI - Performance Metrics

• Some argue for metrics to track progress.
• Data should be used to find gaps in organization.
• Using Incentives improve DEI.
• More companies should report their progress.
• Mentorship programs, shadowing and female professional networks can help.

Global Diversity of National Culture

• Culture influences nearly every aspect of human behavior.
• National culture is a collective way of thinking based on national values.

Managing Culture and GLOBE

• Nine GLOBE dimensions: assertiveness, future orientation, gender differences, uncertainty avoidance, power distance, societal collectivism, in-group collectivism, performance orientation, and humane orientation.
• Understanding cultures improves collaboration.

International Assignments and Multicultural Experiences

• Expatriates live and work outside their native country.
• Having a global mindset helps with sensitivity to other cultures.
• It is important to have exposure to other cultures.

Avoiding Stereotypes

• Avoid applying national cultural dimensions to individuals.
• There is diversity within each culture can impact behavior.

Trends and Issues

• Diverse teams can use online platforms for DEI education and training.
• Developing a strong DEI culture is socially responsible.