Abstract
This chapter illustrates how corporations need to go beyond the D in diversity and focus on the E in equity and I for inclusion to prioritize the worker based on the alignment of critical theory. The literature search led to the discovery of critical theory, which was then used to inform a strategic intervention. Diversity is existence of variations of different characteristics in a group of people. Equity is fair treatment, access, and advancement for each person in an organization. Inclusion is an outcome to ensure those who are diverse feel and/or are welcomed. Obstacles in the way of the E and I need to be addressed if organizations truly want to create a robust DEI program for their workers. This chapter examines how scholars and senior leadership will acknowledge inequity and exclusive behavior in their organizations, bringing the awareness of the need to focus on the E and I.
TopLiterature Review
To address the role of equity and inclusion, organizations should commit to DEI in the workplace addressing all the letters. A literature search was conducted by searching for articles on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Organizations. CSR is a broad subject. The emphasis is narrowed to DEI within an organization. It is narrowed further to focus on equity and inclusion within the organization. Several theories were examined in the literature review, and critical theory was selected. This paper will concentrate on Critical Theory only. Critical Theory is one of the primary theories in DEI and integration. Critical theory gives employees more control over the outcome (Fay, 1987). White men having all the decision-making authority is not working. Google Scholar, ProQuest, Business Source Complete (EBSCO Host), and JSTOR was used for the study design for going beyond the D, and focusing on the E and I. The research intended to illustrate the relationship between all the letters of DEI and applying theory.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Inclusion: Is where all employees feel a sense of belonging and respected. Inclusive environment.
Discrimination: Is the unfair or prejudicial treatment of people and groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or sexual orientation.
Race: Is a societal categorization of individuals. It is the division of people into groups that are unique within a given society, based on similar physical or social characteristics.
Critical Theory: Is the approach to social philosophy that focuses on culture in challenging power structures. It focuses on society and culture to reveal, critique, and challenge power structures.
Ethnicity: Is group identity based on culture, religion, traditions, and customs.
Politics: Is the science of influencing or directing policy. It is the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups.
Gender: Is the socially constructed traits that distinguish men, women, girls, and boys. It is an identity.
Affect: Is to act on; produce a change. It is used as a verb to mean to influence someone or something.
Impact: Is strong influence or effect. A significant or major effect.
Equity: Is fair practices and policies acknowledging structural inequalities. It recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
Diversity: Is the range of human differences that encompasses national origin, language, race, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and veteran status.