Twenty-second International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

Organizations need to create environments in which people can thrive. In order to measure the effectiveness of any training and education in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices, organizations must assess the emerging factors that have become catalysts for improved work performance and culture. This paper proposes a set of organizational practices that leaders must adopt as a measurement/assessment resource for evaluation and accountability to embed intercultural competence in their DEI practices. This solution includes an organizational assessment that serves as a companion piece to senior leaders who complete DEI training programs to carry to their organizations and administer to their teams. The organizational assessment has five objectives informed the continuing needs and opportunities of the affirmed organizational assets: 1) assesses how effectively the organization communicates; 2) determine how the organization is meeting the needs of a diverse consumer base through communication; 3) identify common problems and obstacles in diversity and inclusion practices; 4) validate organizational understanding of diversity and inclusion in the workplace; 5) reveal opportunities for improvement, growth and innovation. The organizational assessment also allows leaders and their teams to work in partnership with the organization’s human resources and learning/development departments to support an integrated learning approach. Additionally, this solution is aimed at helping organizations use intercultural competencies to more effectively design, implement and execute DEI practices.

Presenters

Aerial Ellis
Wells Fargo Endowed Chair/Distinguished Professor, Department of Mass Communication, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina, United States