This research investigates the interplay of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within firms in India, with a specific focus on the often-overlooked dimension of caste in organizational policies and practices. It aims to explore the relationship between DEI atmosphere, psychological well-being and workplace respect and integrity. A quantitative research design was employed, collecting data from respondents through a structured questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the relationships among psychological well-being, DEI atmosphere and workplace respect and integrity and to examine the mediating role of DEI atmosphere and the moderating effect of caste. The findings reveal that the DEI atmosphere mediates the relationship between workplace respect and integrity and psychological well-being. Psychological well-being significantly influences workplace respect and integrity, with this effect being mediated by DEI atmosphere. Additionally, caste significantly moderates the relationship between psychological well-being and DEI atmosphere, but not psychological well-being and workplace respect and integrity, as well as DEI atmosphere and workplace respect and integrity. This study makes a novel contribution by highlighting the significance of caste-based DEI considerations in the Indian corporate sector, addressing a critical gap in existing DEI literature and practice. It extends current DEI frameworks by incorporating socio-cultural dimensions unique to the Indian context, such as caste.
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