DEI's Impact on Organizational Change in Addressing Institutional Racism in an Employment Setting

Abstract

Institutional racism is when there is discrimination or unequal treatment of a particular cultural group within an institution. The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the performative nature of diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) and the impact it has on individual people, organizational systems, and structures. The author will explain the concept of systemic or institutional racism and oppression as it applies to an organizational setting. This chapter begins by discussing the impact of institutional racism on organizational culture and the role DEI plays within an organization to work towards conflict resolution using the organization development (OD) model to educate the leaders and staff within the organization. Once the chapter explains the performative role of DEI, it will then discuss the impact of this framework on individuals and systems in which it is applied. A fictional case scenario will be used throughout the chapter to demonstrate how institutional racism can show up within an employment setting for immigrants and how DEI and OD can help address it.