Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in International Business: Dimensions and Challenges

Abstract

Calls to address diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have become common around the globe. This AIB Insights special issue examines dimensions and challenges associated with DEI in an international business environment. The introductory editorial to the issue first discusses some major challenges associated with implementing DEI in multinational organizations, including the multi-level factors influencing DEI policy adoption. It then overviews the issue’s seven articles and one practitioner interview, which address broader DEI issues such as refugees and migration and the influence of the institutional environment, as well as specific DEI dimensions related to gender, differently abledness and LGBT+ inclusion.

Implementing the equality, diversity, and inclusion agenda in multinational companies: A framework for the management of (linguistic) diversity

“…It is recognised that ‘much is gained by way of organisational outcomes when inclusion is fostered in organisations’ (Mor‐Barak et al., 2016, p. 308), as ‘good work and inclusion go hand in hand’ (CIPD, 2021a, p. 3). Advancing the EDI agenda also helps achieve important societal outcomes, such as ‘(re)building an economy of belonging at a global level (Newburry et al., 2022, p. 1)’. Implementation of the EDI agenda through dedicated policies and practices is a key responsibility of human resource management (HRM) and a crucial aspect of diversity management efforts (e.g., CIPD, 2019; Nishii & Özbilgin, 2007; Parry et al., 2021).…”

“…However, a recent Harvard Business Review Analytic Services research report (2021) on EDI revealed that whilst many organisations are trying to advance their EDI agendas, few have managed to make satisfactory inroads. Organisations struggle to leverage the strategic potential of EDI (Ely & Thomas, 2020; Newburry et al., 2022), which can only be achieved if EDI is holistically and deeply embedded into organisational cultures (Cassell et al., 2022; Śliwa et al., 2022) and aligned with shared values (Umeh et al., 2022) rather than solely linked to non‐discriminatory policies. EDI‐related initiatives and diversity management are particularly challenging to implement in multinational companies (MNCs), not least because of problems with legitimacy, in particular among non‐HR managers (Davis et al., 2016; Kirton & Greene, 2019).…”

The Future of Research on International Selling and Sales Management

“…In addition, policies and practices regarding issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion may vary greatly across countries (Newburry et al 2022).…”

Geopolitics in International Business: Challenges and Insights

“…Additionally, significant opportunity exists to explore how geopolitical issues interact with other global issues. This would include examining geopolitical impacts on achieving sustainability development goals (Zhao, Dilyard, & Rose, 2022), including United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Cuervo-Cazurra, Doh, Giuliani, Montiel, & Park, 2022), and addressing cross-national diversity, equity and inclusion challenges (Newburry, Rašković, Colakoglu, Gonzalez-Perez, & Minbaeva, 2022), such as refugee integration (Szkudlarek, Roy, & Lee, 2022).…”