Notes From the Editors: Spotlight on Inclusion and Diversity

Abstract

This issue of the International Journal of Business Communication continues our spotlight issues on evolving and highly relevant business communication topics. Specifically, this issue focuses on inclusion and diversity. As with our last issue, we have curated several related articles on a topic which enormously impacts business communication and society as a whole. The lens on inclusion and diversity has a special meaning today since conflicting forces strive to cultivate diversity and inclusion while others appear to oppose the realization of such organizational realities. We contend—based on evidence—that inclusion and diversity do not represent an act of charity by dominant groups. Instead, managers will find these strategies vital to fully develop organizational talent and the well-being of all stakeholders (Cascio et al., 2019; Inglehart et al., 2008). As captured by this issue’s articles, inclusion and diversity mean much more than just hiring, rewarding, and promoting fairly from all groups. Effective business communication provides a fundamental ingredient for diversity and inclusion’s co-creation, sustenance, and growth. To truly nurture these attributes, organizational members must authentically interact with people from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints through listening, discourse, collaboration, perspective-taking, and shared vision. These communicative actions should also encourage all members to bring their best, whole selves to work. Without such behaviors, organizations homogenize and compartmentalize their precious resources. At worst, an organization that fails— largely through communication—to foster diversity and inclusion will become a mono-culture of the dominant group. In turn, this monoculture will stifle innovation, discourage commitment/engagement, and invite turnover (Bisel & Adame, 2019; Cascio et al., 2019; Croucher et al., 2019; Grant, 2017). Simply put, these outcomes harm the organization and stakeholder well-being. We define diversity as talent based inclusion and celebration of organizational members regardless of history and biology. The demographics of a diverse and inclusive