Inclusion in the Workplace: A Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

Research on inclusion has increased at a rapid pace highlighting the need for a close look at the literature for ways to advance future research. This review about individual-level inclusion in the workplace is theoretically grounded in social identity theory and organizes the literature through a process lens using the input-mediator-output-input (IMOI) framework. Inputs (the context that allows for inclusion, such as how extra-organizational factors, alignment, and signaling influence inclusion in organizations), intervening variables (such as change, learning, and power), outputs associated with inclusion (e.g., performance, well-being, and organizational commitment), and inputs resulting from outputs as part of a feedback loop (such as a willingness to engage with diverse others) are included as part of a holistic view of the literature while indicating specific areas that would benefit from further development. Future research directions are offered based on this framework in order to facilitate development of research on inclusion going forward.