Exploring Diversity and Inclusion Leadership in Complex Organizations

Abstract

Even with affirmative action legislation and diversity programs, organizations struggle to create a diverse and inclusive 21st-century workplace. The purpose of this qualitative, classical Delphi study was to gain consensus among diversity leaders in the federal contractor community about best practices for the successful employment of diversity and inclusion in the workforce, both to meet affirmative action regulations and to incorporate 21st-century social categories, such as veterans, males, females, age, sexual orientation, minorities, disabilities, and LGBTQs. Incorporating a diverse workforce above and beyond the requirements of affirmative action gives companies a competitive advantage over companies that fail to do so.