Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Frameworks

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (usually abbreviated DEI) refers to organizational frameworks which seek to promote 'the fair treatment and full participation of all people', particularly groups 'who have historically been underrepresented or subject to discrimination' on the basis of identity or disability. These three notions (diversity, equity, and inclusion) together represent 'three closely linked values' which organizations seek to institutionalize through DEI frameworks. Some frameworks, primarily in Britain, substitute the notion of 'equity' with equality: equality, diversity, inclusion (EDI). Other variations include diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI or EDIJ), or diversity, equity, inclusion and access (IDEA, DEIA or DEAI). Diversity refers to the presence of variety within the organizational workforce, such as in identity (i.e. gender, culture, ethnicity, religion, disability, class etc.), age or opinion. Equity refers to concepts of fairness and justice, such as fair compensation. More specifically, equity usually also includes a focus on societal disparities and allocating resources and 'decision making authority to groups that have historically been disadvantaged', and taking 'into consideration a person’s unique circumstances, adjusting treatment accordingly so that the end result is equal.