Diversity and Inclusion

The Four-Layer Model of Diversity

The first model we want to introduce you to is the Four-Layer Model of Diversity. Think about the last time you heard the term "diversity". What was the setting? What did you think was meant by this term? We define diversity as simply the "mix of differences". Often we think of these differences as those you can observe, but there is much more to diversity and our "mix of differences" than meets the eye. Diverse Teams at Work depicts diversity by looking at both the internal and external dimensions. This model, originally presented by Marilyn Loden and Judy Rosener in their book, Workforce America, illustrates diversity as far beyond what we can observe. This model helps us to see the numerous dimensions in which human beings are different. Diversity is the reality that those differences exist between us. Put quite simply, diversity is the many ways human beings are similar and different. These differences become the layers through which we experience the world, and the world experiences us (see Figure 1). While it is evident that human beings are similar and different in many ways, all differences are not equal. We cannot deny the fact that race, ethnicity, gender, age, and sexual orientation are topics that have been challenging humanity for centuries.

Figure 1 | The Four Layers of Diversity

At the core (blue) is personality. This core drives much of the connection we sense when we first begin to interact with people who think like us, process information like us, and manage their lives like us. This layer is the beginning of and often the most overlooked layer of diversity.

The next level (green) depicts the internal dimensions considered by Gardenswartz and Rowe as "powerful shapers of opportunities, access, and expectations". These move our understanding of diversity beyond the central core of personality to the six internal dimensions of diversity that, for the most part, we do not choose or control, yet they have a powerful effect on our behavior, attitudes, and opportunities in organizations and communities. Briefly described, these six dimensions are:

• Age – generational differences between us drive our expectations of work, family, life, loyalty, security, etc. Diving into age differences helps us to understand that not all people have the same perspectives. It also helps us understand that while age certainly helps shape our perspective, it does not confine us to a particular way of thinking.
• Gender – While the authors were referring to biological sex when they created this model, the word sex and gender continue to be confused and used synonymously by many. While helping you understand the differences between sex and gender is beyond the scope of this chapter, it is important to recognize that differences exist and that conforming or not conforming to gender norms societally prescribed by one's sex has become an important topic in diversity and inclusion discussions.
• Race – Contrary to popular belief, we do not live in a color-blind society, nor should it be our goal. Human differences, often focused solely on the color of one's skin, have continued to limit human beings' appreciation of differences. The term race began to be used during colonization and expanded with each century since then. Race is described as a social construct used to categorize visual differences in the color of skin, slant and roundness of eyes, the width of the nose, texture of hair, etc. 
• Ethnicity – Differences connected to one's ancestral origins (national and/or tribal) are the differences that make up the differences in ethnicity. Often people confuse ethnicity and race. Differences in ethnicity often lead to differences in language, celebrations, and what is considered "cultural"; however, culture is broader than ethnicity. Culture is made up of beliefs, behaviors, attitudes, and expectations that humans consider "normal" in assessing others. Culture begins to take shape in a family, which is operating in the confines of a nation. While national and ethnic cultures are generally the place we begin to think about culture, they are not the only layers of culture.
• Physical/Mental/Emotional Abilities – Physical, mental, and emotional abilities differ between human beings. While the original model focused on physical abilities, for the purposes of our conversation, we will think of abilities in a much broader way to include physical and cognitive abilities, as well as neurodivergence.
• Sexual Orientation – Humans differ widely when it comes to sexual orientation, and that has continued to expand over the past decade. The key factor is that not all humans are heterosexual and if people judge each other based on sexual orientation, it erodes trust and teamwork, and does not allow open authenticity in identities to emerge.

There are two additional layers to this model: the external layer of differences, which includes things such as income level (socioeconomic status), religion, appearance, etc., and the organizational layer of differences, which includes work field, seniority, etc. In this chapter, we are mainly focused on the internal dimensions, but you can easily see how these additional layers add complexity to our identity and how we experience it.

In learning about the four-layer model of diversity, we can see that human beings are all very complex and that we all belong in the discussions around diversity. Diversity is not about only one group. It is about all human beings. In fact, we all possess a multitude of identities based on race, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, physical/mental/emotional abilities, etc. We are not just one thing. This concept can be better understood by exploring the term "intersectionality". 

How we navigate the differences is what helps us succeed or fail at feeling a part of the world around us while still feeling free to be who we truly are. We term this "inclusion". We will learn more about this in the section that follows.

Inclusion: It's More Than You Think

You may have heard talk of "inclusion" or "inclusive leadership" recently. This term does not replace talking about "diversity" but rather moves us to the next step. While diversity is, in essence, about the mix of differences, inclusion is about bringing differences together. It is important to note that diversity is not something that describes a single individual but rather how a group, team, workplace, or community can be diverse if people from various racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and/or other identity groups are represented.

Inclusion is about more than just representation. Inclusion is about how we engage with each other and who has access to resources, decision-making, etc. Essentially it is about connection and voice! Is everyone included in decision-making? Does everyone feel heard and valued? Does everyone feel that they can bring ALL of who they are to the workplace, organization, classroom, or community? These are a few of the questions that we have to ask in order to gauge whether we are creating inclusive environments.

We often think that when people feel a sense of connection of belongingness, then inclusion has been achieved. This is only partly true. Belongingness is an important component of inclusion, but it does not tell the whole story.

Lynn Shore and colleagues developed a model to help us understand inclusion in a more holistic way. This model is based on two needs that humans have: the need for belongingness and the need for uniqueness. Shore and colleagues used this concept to create a guide for a better understanding of how inclusion works. Shore's model identifies the two needs and explains what a person might experience based on the presence, absence, or lack of balance in both belongingness and uniqueness (See Figure 2).

Figure 2 | Shore et al., Inclusion Framework (2011)

For example, if a person is feeling that they do not belong and that their unique characteristics are not seen or valued, they experience "exclusion". Conversely, if a person feels a sense of belongingness AND also feels that their uniqueness is valued and encouraged, they experience "inclusion". It is important to note that belongingness paired with the absence of valuing uniqueness or individuality can create an environment of "assimilation" where a person feels they must conform to the group norms in order to continue to be accepted. This is what the authors of this chapter call a "false sense of inclusion". Finally, if a person feels that they are valued for what they can contribute or bring that is unique but that they are not really accepted, it can lead to "differentiation," where the person ultimately feels used for their skills and talents but not seen as a member of the group or team.

This model offers an important contribution in helping us to see that inclusion and inclusive environments go beyond belongingness and require something much more complex. As a leader, your team or group will be much stronger if you carefully consider both belonging and uniqueness.

Building on Shore et al.'s model, Fagan et al. conducted an extensive review to determine how leaders create inclusion for followers. From this review, a list of seven "attributes" of inclusive leaders emerged. These were:

• Authentic Leadership
• Changemaker
• Collaborative
• Commitment to diversity and cultural competence
• Ideals
• Offering follower support
• Openness

When the seven attributes are acted upon, leaders are able to have impacts on followers that create more inclusive environments. It should be noted that the mix of these attributes is important as some may foster belongingness while not encouraging uniqueness. They state,

We believe that while some impacts may relate more toward belongingness instead of uniqueness - such as increased organizational commitment - and are beneficial for overall inclusion, inclusive leaders should be able to recognize the impacts they create as relating to both uniqueness and belongingness. 

This observation is important in that it may feel good to help another person connect and feel as if they belong; however, if a person feels they have to conform and cannot be themselves, they will not experience true inclusion.

We can begin to notice in ourselves and in our groups, classes, and other environments when inclusion is happening and when it is not. At times, noticing may be all you do, as it may or may not feel safe to intervene or ask for support. At other times, you may be able to advocate for yourself or others to make sure your group is being truly inclusive.

As you grow and develop in your awareness, you may find that you develop the skills and comfort level to help make the groups and other environments in which you live and work become more inclusive.