A first step organizations can take is to complete an organizational assessment. These assessment tools allow organizations to examine their current status and then strategize for how to improve in the future.
Successful organizations are aware that:
- Change is a process
- Progress occurs in stages
- Change is not linear – organizations will often move in a variety of directions while working through the process of change
- Organizations must assess their current inclusion stage and preparedness for change
Many assessments will provide a categorization of where an organization is after they complete their assessment. Having this organizational awareness AND accepting it allows the group to begin to plan for actual change and identify areas of growth.
The following is a sample of different stages of inclusion an organization could be in related to intercultural competencies. Read prior to completing an organizational assessment and see if you can self-assess where your group could be. Don’t be surprised, however, if your initial reaction places your group at a higher stage than the assessment indicates. It is often common to have a view of your organization as being further advanced than it might actually be.
- Conventional (Stage 1): The primary view of an organization in this stage is that only those who fit into the traditional norms and values will succeed.
- Defensive (Stage 2): The leadership understands that the organization must work to make others feel included but continue to resist changing the culture.
- Ambivalent (Stage 3): The Ambivalent stage is present when historically excluded group members represent 15% to 25% of the institution’s population and diversity best practices are being put into place to include them.
- Egalitarian (Stage 4): Cultural differences are embraced yet there is resistance against putting efforts into make further changes to create a level playing field.
- Integrative (Stage 5): The high performing organization actively includes and utilizes the wide range of skills and perspectives of its identity groups. There is fairness and equity in the organization that promotes diversity with little effort.
(Originally sourced from DTUI.com)
Here are several offerings related to where you can begin to assess your organization. Brief descriptions and sources are also listed.
- National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 2013
- A self-assessment tool that helps you identify goals, track milestones, and self-construct a plan to achieve goals. Organization should already have some context related to goals and be able to motivate themselves enough to create internal change. This tool is brief and not as comprehensive.
- Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2017
- While this assessment focuses on how to create an inclusive workplace for employers with an emphasis on mental health, the organizational assessment found on page 14 is still a comprehensive tool. Organizations would need to be aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, current policies, and have a representative group of people to share input on status. The tool is lengthy but open ended.
- D5 DEI Self-Assessment
- D5’s self-assessment is a tool for identifying areas of work that your foundation is already engaged in and opportunities for growth. This assessment will capture your foundation’s current situation, spark conversations about DEI and what is possible, and help identify tangible action steps that will improve your foundation’s effectiveness and strengthen its relevance in our increasingly diverse society. This assessment focuses on underrepresented identity populations that you may or may not be serving in your organization.
Below are some paid options to consider if your organization is looking for more comprehensive results and help crafting an action plan.
- Equity Solutions
- One Colorado local and BIPOC owned business that we recommend after having partnered with the owner for several panels is Equity Solutions. From early-stage bias training to advanced anti-racist work, they help their clients both identify and achieve their goals of fostering the most inclusive and equitable experiences for all in the workplace. Equity Solutions is based in Boulder.
- D&I Assessment from the Kaleidoscope Group
- With a D&I Assessment, The Kaleidoscope Group assesses your organization through a Diversity & Inclusion lens and uses data-driven insight to inform strategies that achieve real change.
- Lead Inclusively, Inc. Assessment
- Provides a D&I gap analysis of every aspect of business, from H.R. and marketing to internal staffing and external stakeholders. All results lead to action steps that can be taken immediately, with or without support. The assessment is not focused merely on demographic numbers, it is focused on the elements of inclusion that are key indicators of business performance and overall organizational success.
These are just a sampling of a few of the assessment tools that exist to help your organization evaluate your current diversity, equity, and inclusion processes. There are many other resources available as well that may work better for your organization. Regardless of the tool you choose to use, know that assessing where your organization is currently will help you set a solid foundation in being able to move forward and make improvements.
