Science does a lot of research on diversity and inclusion, and proves beyond doubt that a diverse group of people who work well together achieve better performance. Yet depending on which body it is in, the same knowledge is worth more or less and has more or less credibility. Quite bizarre. Especially in times of labour shortage and a society that is much more diverse than 50 years ago. What makes it such a challenge to really change?
Zoë Papaikonomou is a writer, investigative journalist and teacher. Her work focuses on diversity, inclusion and equality. Within this field, she mainly investigates the effects of power. Zoë is the author of two books: 'Do you have an angry Muslim for me?' (2018) and 'The inclusion marathon' (2021). Together with One'sy Muller, she makes the Bonte Was Podcast about media misses and pick-ups in the field of diversity and inclusion. For platform Nieuw Wij (New We) she is making the series 'Hopeful Conversations'.
Helen
We have been talking about issues such as diversity and inclusion for years. Yet it is difficult to see the real change taking place. According to Zoë, this is because so many things have been destroyed. "For centuries, people have worked to achieve a dominance of whiteness and men. To put it crudely, a large group of scientists have worked tooth and nail to prove that white people, and men in particular, were supreme. Reversing that is quite a lot of work."
Changes
There have been things that we considered quite normal 100 years ago. Now we look at these things very differently. According to the journalist, there is less arrogance and more self-reflection. There is also more understanding. Science is very functional and can be very important.
Are you curious how an organisation notices that it is not yet doing well? Maybe the intentions are in order, but how do you recognise the right results? Listen to the latest episode of the Work Professor!
Links
More about Zoë Papaikonomou
Book: The inclusion marathon
Book: Nobody will sleep here tonight
More about the Working Professor
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