Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

Описание: Diversity and inclusion are general terms that represent complex processes. A closer look at each of the terms will help explain why they are closely related and why leaders need to be aware of both concepts when addressing diversity within their group or organization. In the most general sense, diversity is about variety or difference.



Diversity matters because we live in an increasingly globalized world that has become widely interconnected. Researchers have defined diversity in a multitude of ways. For example, diversity is often used to refer to the mixture of races, genders, or religions that make up a group of people. We define diversity as the amount of difference among members of a group or an organization.


These are elsewhere referred to as social identities—the parts of our self-concept that come from our group memberships. Secondary dimensions include geographic location, military and work experience, family status, income, religion, education, first language, organizational role and level, and communication and work style. The primary dimensions of diversity are more powerful and less changeable, while the secondary dimensions can change, are less visible, and are less influential in how they impact our lives.


Inclusion is the process of incorporating differing individuals into a group or an organization. It is creating an environment where people who are different feel they are part of the whole. Similarly, inclusion is about the majority incorporating the opinions of the minority and giving voice to the people who are seldom heard. Inclusion means feeling like you are a full member of the group but at the same time maintaining your own identity. It requires a balance between belonging and uniqueness.