Diversity & Inclusion: It's All About the D and I, Not Just the D.

• Author: Monterio, Brad
• Position: Professional issues

What a dull, uninteresting place the world would be if we were all the same, thinking the same, acting the same, doing the same. The belief that our unique differences as human beings arc what make us stronger collectively is at the center of diversity and inclusion. You cannot have true diversity if you don't also have inclusion--inclusion is how we value, respect and welcome differences, allowing us to come together to celebrate those diverse differences.

Diversity balances inclusion, and inclusion balances diversity--a sort of yin and yang relationship that has the potential to impact all of society, whether communities of individuals (such as the broad accounting profession) or organizations (such as accounting firms and companies).

Diversity is ultimately about the "mix," and inclusion is about how well the mix works together.

On its face, it seems easier to bring together a diverse group of individuals in a community or organization based upon tangible, visible differences such as gender, age and race or ethnicity. Unfortunately, this attempt at diversity often leads to organizations using quota systems and tick-the-box approaches to make sure they achieve a balance in their diversity, whether intentional or not. And in some cases, it could even become a compliance exercise, such as in South Africa, with its BEEE requirements, or in the U.S. banking system with its diversity requirements.

Although the intent behind regulating diversity and inclusion may be good, it has the potential to drive quota management systems divorced from the realities of the marketplace.

However, simply because a community or organization is diverse does not mean it's necessarily inclusive. Inclusiveness is a less tangible concept and more challenging to undertake. This is partly because the essence of inclusion is rooted in the organization's culture--itself an intangible, but central part of the company's core being and reflected in its core values.

Culture is an important driver of what makes each company different. Inclusiveness can amplify the difference, the uniqueness can differentiate the company from its peers. But it's also more challenging for an organization to know it's being more inclusive because you cannot touch and hold culture, respect and value. Being inclusive is an active choice, and the tone is set at the top of an organization by its leadership, permeating hiring policies, business activities, operations, marketing, communications and...