Does Diversity & Inclusion exist without Cultural Intelligence?

Written By Carlos Cadogan

The short answer is no.
Cultural Intelligence is not the only strategy for supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work. There are actually several critical components, but cultural Intelligence is foundational, and it’s a critical part of any process designed to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment.

Organizations can have employees from a wide range of diverse cultures and backgrounds, as well as gender-identities, races, nationalities, generations, differently-abled people, etc. and still not understand how to leverage those differences.

Applying these principals can help you understand how to include ALL differences to ensure your CQ and DE&I strategies are well implemented:


DIVERSITY

  • Hire diverse talent

  • Manage bias in the hiring process

  • Improve performance of diverse teams

    EQUITY

  • Identify inequities and disparities across cultural groups and systems

  • Measure progress and close equity gaps

  • Create equitable policies, practices and systems


INCLUSION

  • Use research-based strategy for creating an inclusive culture

  • Develop decision-making processes that challenge exclusionary behaviours and practices

  • Facilitate and enable diverse voices and perspectives at all levels of the organization

Carlos Cadogan
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Cultural Intelligence: Managing Unconscious Bias