Diversity Climate Vs. Inclusion Climate A Guide To Understanding What They Mean In Your Workplace

Today, I want to talk Diversity & Inclusion Climates. I’ve been travelling a lot recently and I’ve been reminded about how different the climate is in different parts of the world. I started to think about how diversity and inclusion climates also vary between different organisations and wanted to explore what this actually meant.

In todays show I discuss several things including

  • The difference between Diversity Climates & Inclusion Climates
  • The relationship between employee resource groups and Diversity Climates
  • The difficulty for organisations that implement initiatives without addressing their Diversity & Inclusion climates and much much more

Here’s some of what I share in the show:

My focus in this show is not on diversity and inclusion climates in general but within specific organisations just like yours.

Diversity Climates and Inclusion Climates are not the same thing

I discuss the difference between Diversity Climates & Inclusion Climates:

“Well it’s important to note that many scholars think of a Diversity climate as being distinct from an Inclusion Climate. You also won’t be surprised to know that they don’t always agree on what any of these words mean”

Diversity & Inclusion Climates are related to important Outcomes

I explain the importance of Diversity & Inclusion Climates for organisations:

“Diversity climates have also been shown to be related to minority employee retention and they are a consistent predictor of workplace discrimination against those with disabilities. This makes this relevant for you.”

Not Considering Your Diversity & Inclusion Climate Can Have Negative Consequences

“Research has shown that Organisations that have negative diversity climates, i.e., they do not truly value diversity in their employees and set a tone that reflects this are likely to experience high turnover in newly recruited employees from underrepresented groups”

Show notes

Here are some selected links to for the resources and reports I discuss in the episode.

Pilot Episode 

NASA: Weather vs. Climate

Dr Etlyn Kenny

Professor Rob Briner

Dr Elizabeth Anne Rolling

Kenny & Briner article  

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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