DEI Definition

For the purpose of this survey we follow the definitions of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion provided by The Center for Global Inclusion in the document Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks. Standards for Organizations around the World (in short, GDEIB).

Diversity “refers to the variety of similarities and differences among people, often called diversity dimensions, including, but not limited to: gender, sex, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous identity/origin, age, generation, disability, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, socio-economic status/caste, appearance, language and accent, mental health, education, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role and function, thinking style, and personality type”. (GDEIB, 2021, p. 22)

Equity is about fairness and justice. It is about taking deliberate actions to remove systemic, group, and individual barriers and obstacles that hinder opportunities and disrupt well-being. Equity is achieved through the identification and elimination of policies, practices, attitudes, and cultural messages that create and reinforce unfair outcomes. The difference between equality and equity must be emphasized. Although both promote fairness, equality achieves this through treating everyone the same, regardless of need and circumstances. Equity achieves this through treating people differently dependent on need, circumstance and consideration of historical and systemic inequities”. (GDEIB, 2021, p. 23)

Inclusion “is a dynamic state of feeling, belonging, and operating in which diversity is leveraged and valued to create a fair, healthy, and high-performing organization or community. An inclusive culture and environment ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for all. It also enables individuals and groups to feel safe, respected, heard, engaged, motivated, and valued for who they are”. (GDEIB, 2021, p. 23)

 

Reference

GDEIB (2021). Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks. Standards for Organizations around the World, edited by The Center for Global Inclusion. Available at https://centreforglobalinclusion.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GDEIB-APRIL-2021-1.pdf