Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are under attack. Confronted by high costs, mixed outcomes, unclear organizational benefits, and a political and regulatory backlash, organizations are rolling back their initiatives. Google and Meta, for example, recently reduced investment in their DEI programs and let go of DEI staff.
Research: How IT Can Solve Common Problems in DEI Initiatives
Lessons from three organizations that successfully leveraged IT to drive structural change.
August 15, 2024
Jonathan Kitchen/Getty Images
Summary.
The authors’ research found that three persistent problems plague DEI initiatives: They do not connect to operational or strategic goals and objectives; they do not include the rank-and-file; and they are often implemented through periodic efforts like annual diversity training that aren’t integrated into day-to-day work processes. Organizations can overcome these problems by using IT in three ways.
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Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
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New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to build a better, more just workplace.