Why are we paying attention to this?
Two main reasons:
integration ❌
inclusion ✅
Do you see the subtle difference there?
Diversity ❌ → connotes differences and different elements. It is a term used in biology to describe the variety of species found in nature and the importance of biodiversity for planet’s well-being.
Integration ❌ → refers to bringing diverse elements into the organization and helping them feel comfortable within the existing organizational culture.
Inclusion ✅ → Inclusion takes into account the identities and preferences of individuals so that they can excel and contribute towards collective organizational objectives.
Diversity is a fact, inclusion is a choice
We could say that DIVERSITY is more about the numbers, with programs like diversity quotas that try to numerically diversify the workplace. INCLUSION questions the status quo and addresses organizational culture, group interactions and dynamics, and individual-level attitudes and behaviors.