In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Jim Fielding about the recent retreat from corporate DEI initiatives. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Jim discussed the recent retreat from corporate DEI initiatives, expressing concern about the current political climate and emphasizing the need for proactive steps to counteract negative momentum. They explored the politicization of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts, highlighting the importance of treating people with dignity and respect while creating psychologically safe workplaces. The conversation concluded with a call for authentic kindness, civility, and a strategy to promote positive values in society, as well as the need for a counter-narrative to the far-right's anti-DEI stance.
Addressing DEI Retreat and Reversal
Jonathan and Jim discussed the recent retreat from corporate DEI initiatives, expressing their frustration and concern about the current political climate. Jim, a former leader in media and retail, now spends his time on independent media, entrepreneurship, higher education, and philanthropy. He emphasized the need for proactive steps to counteract the negative momentum and to focus on the positive aspects of DEI and belonging. They acknowledged the pendulum swing in corporate support for DEI initiatives, attributing it to performative work, political nonsense, and the backtracking of organizations like Walmart. Both agreed on the urgency to shift the conversation back to the positive side of DEI and inclusion.
Politicization of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging
Jonathan and Jim discussed the politicization of the concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. They agreed that these ideas have become "dirty words" and are often misunderstood or misrepresented. Jim emphasized the importance of treating people with dignity and respect, and the need to remind people of the benefits of these concepts. They also touched on the role of organized groups in dismantling these ideas and the need for a long-term strategy to educate and promote them. Jim highlighted the importance of creating psychologically safe and respectful workplaces where people can be their authentic selves, regardless of their differences.
Promoting DEI and Managing Inclusion
Jim expressed his concern about the lack of counter-narrative to the far-right's anti-DEI stance, emphasizing the importance of promoting the business case for DEI. He also highlighted the need for better representation and inclusion in the workplace, citing the importance of recruiting from a diverse candidate pool. Jonathan agreed with Jim's points, emphasizing the benefits of DEI for creativity, productivity, and innovation. Both agreed on the necessity of managing inherent biases and microaggressions to effectively manage diverse teams.
Emphasizing Kindness and Inclusion Initiatives
Jonathan and Jim discussed the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their background, education, or identity. They emphasized the need for authenticity and the importance of creating safe spaces for everyone, not just specific groups. They also discussed the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, attributing it to the fear of losing privilege among some individuals. Jim praised Disney for their visible and invisible diversity training and stressed the need for everyone to be comfortable sharing their stories and being proud of their identities. They concluded by expressing concern over the reaction of some companies to these initiatives and the need for company leadership to stand up for their convictions.
Reintroducing Civility and Authentic Kindness
Jim and Jonathan discussed the current state of society and the need for authentic kindness and civility. They lamented the politicization of issues and the lack of progress in treating people with dignity and respect. They agreed that the focus should be on reintroducing civility and authentic kindness into conversations, rather than just treating people with kindness. They also discussed the need for a strategy document that promotes values such as women's rights, reproductive health, and civics education.
Listen to the webinar here:
