The Two Primary Strategies Used By Organisations Trying to Increase Diverse Representation At Senior Level

Today, I want to talk about the representation of minority groups within the workplace.

Find out why the release of the Black Panther movie draws attention to how black people are represented in the media as a whole.

Here are some key messages from this episode:

  • Why representation is such a hot topic
  • The two primary approaches organisations take when trying to improve the representation of minority groups
  • The reason why representation as a whole is so important to employee resource groups and much much more

Play the episode for more.

Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

The Reason why Minority Representation is such a hot topic

“Black Panther is a talked about movie for several reasons beyond the scope of the show, I’m not going to be reviewing the movie in this show but what I do want to touch on is the issue of representation and why the hype around the movie is relevant for organisations” 

The Unexplored Motivations for Improving Representation

“The importance of role models is so well established that most people will agree with this well supported argument. I think what gets less attention is the motivation or the approach for increasing representation and this is important because it’s increasingly accepted that organisations are obliged to provide role models and aspirational figures for underrepresented employees. Not enough people talk about if this is appropriate or why it is happening.”

Representation as a Concern of Employee Resource Groups

“One of the key concerns of an employee resource groups whose members are underrepresented within the organisation is how members of that group are perceived within the workplace.”

Here are some resources so you can go deeper: 

My PhD Thesis

Black Panther Wikipedia 

Check out these related episodes of the show.

Dr Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey: Identity Work & Employee Resource Groups

Melanie Richards: How a Happy Coincidence helped the 30 Per Cent Club to change the Diversity Conversation in the UK

Whenever you’re ready, there are a few ways I can support your Inclusion Journey:

 

The Elements of Inclusion #4

Leaders must collaborate innovatively to leverage cultural expertise and drive business performance.

  • Why inclusive outcomes are driven by innovation
  • How developing a business case for diversity and inclusion specific to your organisation is a competitive advantage
  • Why novelty is at the heart of your inclusion journey

The Elements of Inclusion #3

Leaders must establish systems to ensure that everyone shares the same advantages and benefits. These processes will create incentives for inclusive behaviours.

  • How to augment your team with the tools and insights they need to prevent structural disadvantage
  • Why reinforcing generative norms ensures everyone belongs in the organisation
  • How inclusive representations can be embedded to promote an inclusive culture

The Elements of Inclusion #2

Leaders must redefine career development relationships to support inclusive performance.
  • Why traditional mentor relationships must be revised for an inclusive workplace
  • How leaders must embrace networks of developmental relationships for individual growth
  • Why established workplace norms must evolve for inclusion in the modern workplace

The Elements of Inclusion #1

Leaders must properly socialise people and socialise inclusive ideas by providing an environment for the cultural learning needed for an active role in an inclusive organisation

  • How your socialisation processes must evolve to encourage the sustainable cultivation of inclusive competencies
  • Why Leaders must consistently negotiate the line between organisational commitment and personal authenticity to promote performance
  • How developing intersectional self awareness can help leaders to leverage individual employee experiences