Innovating for Diversity

CHAPTER 2Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In some respects, the phrase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become a buzzword. The terms within the phrase have also been used interchangeably. However, each term has specific meanings, distinctions, and implications.

In this chapter, we will examine and explore each term on its own, how they are connected to one another, and how each is needed to create meaningful change. We'll also examine, at a high level, why organizational DEI efforts often flounder or fail.

Key Concept: Diversity, equity, and inclusion are individual elements that need to be understood fully, and must be used together, for any initiatives to be successful.

What Do Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Actually Mean?

The term DEI has risen in prominence significantly in the past decade. Although workplace diversity training programs have been around since the 1960s (developed in response to the passage of affirmative action and equal employment opportunity laws), there has been more focus on the subject as our society continues to examine and rectify years of social injustice against historically marginalized populations.

Despite the concept being around for some time, people and organizations still struggle with defining what exactly DEI entails beyond surface-level explanations. Organizations may use the term to describe their efforts, but may execute on only one or two dimensions or interpret that each of the expressions can be used in place ...