Diversity and Inclusion

Question 1

What would the topic of diversity and inclusion be described as?

Answer 1

• A contemporary topic
• increased diversity in our societies, workplaces and everyday interactions
• diversity is a growing area of practice

Question 2

Define Diversity

Answer 2

• Representation of multiple identity groups and cultures
• easier to achieve and measure

Question 3

Define Inclusion

Answer 3

Meaningful representation - the experience of being included at the individual level
- harder to achieve and measure accurately

Question 4

What are the issues and considerations when mandating diversity?

Answer 4

• help change existing negative stereotypes and they can provide positive role models for younger people.
• BUT stereotypes are linked to group identities, focus on numbers rather than genuine inclusion

Question 5

What are the benefits of diversity?

Answer 5

• Enhances organisational and group performance
• contributes to personal growth and social skills

Question 6

What are the challenges of diversity?

Answer 6

• Diversity does not lead to positive outcomes and can result in social conflicts, divisions and decrease performance.

Question 7

Why is inclusion important?

Answer 7

• Diversity without inclusion (tokenism, prejudice, discrimination, poor staff engagement)
• key approach to getting the benefits of having diverse group and organisations

Question 8

What are the challenges in inclusion?

Answer 8

• takes effort and practice
• social identity and self categorisation (we vs they)
• experience of discomfort

Question 9

What contributes to the multi level approach?

Answer 9

individuals > groups and teams > leaders and leadership > organisation > society

Question 10

How do leaders and leadership link to inclusive practices?

Answer 10

• set an example for inclusive behaviour
• invite engagement and dialogue
• focus on relationships

Question 11

How do groups and teams link to inclusive practice?

Answer 11

• establish appropriate norms (respect)
• emphasise collaboration

Question 12

What are important individual attitudes & behaviours?

Answer 12

• self awareness
• being curious
• having empathy for other people
• having good listening skills
• collaborative approach to problem solving

Question 13

What is an intercultural competence (Hayles 2014)?

Answer 13

• knowledge about cultural differences and skills to interact effectively and appropriately with people from different cultures

Question 14

Are there any cross-cultural research of inclusion in practice?

Answer 14

• recognition that there are multiple perspectives and perceptions of reality that are shaped by culture, context, socialisation, values
• collaborative and participatory approach (involving key stakeholders)
• multi method approach (different data collection methods)