Inclusive Excellence: Driving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Forward
In the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), understanding and addressing Inclusive Excellence is crucial. Inclusive Excellence is a significant aspect of this discourse, but what exactly does it entail?
Definition:
Inclusive Excellence is a strategic approach that integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into the core functions of an organisation, particularly in education, business, and leadership. It ensures that inclusivity is not an afterthought but a fundamental part of institutional excellence. This concept recognises that diversity strengthens an organisation by fostering innovation, improving outcomes, and creating equitable opportunities for all.
Why Is Inclusive Excellence Important?
Organisations that adopt Inclusive Excellence experience higher engagement, better decision-making, and improved performance. In education, it enhances learning outcomes by bringing diverse perspectives into classrooms. In the corporate world, it leads to stronger teams, more innovation, and higher employee satisfaction.
Example:
A leading university implements Inclusive Excellence by:
- Diversifying faculty hiring to reflect the student population.
- Providing mentorship programs for underrepresented students.
- Creating inclusive curricula that incorporate diverse perspectives.
- Offering financial aid to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
As a result, the institution improves student success rates, faculty diversity, and overall academic excellence.
Conclusion:
Inclusive Excellence is more than just a DEI initiative; it’s a transformative institutional strategy that fosters sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion. By embracing this approach, organisations can achieve greater innovation, improved performance, and long-term success.
References:
Murray, T. A., Benz, M. R., Cole, B., Jackson, J., Llamas, D., Marquard, S., … & Taylor, C. L. (2023). The journey toward inclusive excellence. Journal of Nursing Education, 62(4), 225-232. https://journals.healio.com/doi/abs/10.3928/01484834-20230208-05
Valantine, H. A. (2020). NIH’s scientific approach to inclusive excellence. The FASEB Journal, 34(10), 13085-13090. https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1096/fj.202001937
Williams, D. A., Berger, J. B., & McClendon, S. A. (2005). Toward a model of inclusive excellence and change in postsecondary institutions (p. 49). Washington, DC: Association of American Colleges and Universities. https://www.westga.edu/assets/institute-faculty-excellence/docs/aacu-model-of-inclusive-excellence-current.pdf
Considine, J. R., Mihalick, J. E., Mogi‐Hein, Y. R., Penick‐Parks, M. W., & Van Auken, P. M. (2017). How do you achieve inclusive excellence in the classroom?. New directions for Teaching and learning, 2017(151), 171-187. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/tl.20255
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