Executive Orders: Mandating Inclusion in the Federal Workplace: Insights from Federal Executive Departments’ Strategic Plans

Abstract

Inclusion remains a very real and legitimate concern in contemporary workplaces. This research examines how executive orders from the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations influenced Biden era Federal Executive Departments’ strategic plans. This study analyzed the interpretation and understanding of departments’ prioritization and articulation of inclusion across seven core functional areas: (a) leadership; (b) policies, practices, and procedures; (c) human resource management; (d) culture, climate, and norms; (e) emotion, engagement, and perceptions; (f) training and professional development; and (g) accountability and sustainability. The findings reveal that inclusion cannot be mandated or rubberstamped. Inclusion is a subjective endeavor that can result in multiple realities as different employees can experience/observe the same event differently, sometimes infinitely so. The seven core functional areas offer a pathway to embedding inclusive practices and initiatives in the workplace. They create a common approach the federal government can undertake, prioritizing broader knowledge and fundamental awareness of the intertwined nature of experiences, perceptions, emotions, and reasons to foster a sense of belonging.

Inclusion in Public-Sector Workplaces: Charting a Path for Theory and Practice

“…The following manuscripts specifically address this theme. Sweeting (2023) provides a historical view of the tug-of-war and fragmented approach toward embedding and operationalizing inclusion in federal agencies. The author reflects on the value and limitations of Executive Orders as a policy tool toward promoting inclusion in the public-sector workplace.…”

Bridging the Divide: Strategic Measures to Enhance US-Cuba Relations in 21st Century

“…Since the Cuban Revolution of 1959, diplomatic ties between the two nations have undergone fluctuating periods of thaw and frost, influenced by geopolitical dynamics, ideological differences, and domestic politics (Martinez & Reinosa, 2021). In the 21st century, despite efforts to normalize relations initiated by the Obama administration, persistent challenges and barriers continue to impede the full realization of a constructive and cooperative partnership (Sweeting, 2023). This research article delves into the multifaceted dimensions of US-Cuba relations, exploring the historical context, contemporary challenges, and strategic measures necessary to foster enhanced cooperation, mutual understanding, and sustainable engagement in the modern era.…”

“…During Cold War, the only hard time that the USA faced, was caused by the Cuba, as it inclined towards USSR. The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis is a record of history now (Sweeting, 2023). There are a number of areas of mistrust between these neighbours: from migration to Embargo, from geographic to strategic.…”

“…Obama administration tried to take a few positive steps towards Cuba but the Trade Embargo imposed by the USA in the 1960s is still active which have affected heavily on the relations (Gonçalves, 2021). With the Dawn of 21 st century, these issues must be resolved in order to eradicate security and economic concerns from the region for it to prosper (Sweeting, 2023). There in this article, these issues have been highlighted with importance and addressed that why these must be resolved.…”