Using enclave groups to discuss workplace cultural diversity and community inclusion

Workplace cultural diversity and community inclusion are two facets of a complex public issue that require a deliberative community-based problem-solving approach. This article reports findings from a qualitative analysis of fourteen focus groups (N = 83 participants) held in a rural Midwestern community that centered on community members’ experiences with workplace cultural diversity and community inclusion. Three themes emerged: (a) racism and micro-aggressions; (b) discomfort talking about and across cultural differences; and (c) lack of belonging. Of the 14 focus groups, five represented enclave groups with culturally diverse employees. By engaging with historically excluded groups, researchers communicated with affected stakeholders when framing the public issue and convening public meetings to discuss that issue. This use of enclave groups to make the initial stages of the deliberative cycle more inclusive has implications for practitioners of public deliberation, scholars of human communication, and citizens and their communities.