21st International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

The advent of diversity and inclusion management has seen the enactment of several legislative instrument and policies in various nations. However, to date, organizations encounter challenges in their quest to achieve inclusion in a diverse environment. This paper brings to fore the antecedents of diversity management and the challenges encountered by organizations within a diverse environment such as sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). In this regard, this paper argues that a literacy culture which goes beyond legislation and policies should be encouraged to put muscle behind the process of ensuring inclusion in organizations in SSA. Literacy culture may be more receptive since it breaks down legislation and policies to the simplest form, preventing imposition and resistance. Validating this argument, an in-depth literature review is employed to contribute to the debate. To this end, individuals in organizations in diverse environment such as SSA, equipped with the needed literacy in diversity management may turn to be more receptive to legislations and policies. This process may enhance the management of diversity and inclusion in organizations in SSA.