In light of SHRM's recent decision to remove "equity" from their DEI platform, understanding how equity intertwines with cultural intelligence (CQ) is more important than ever. This connection is not just important—it's essential for creating truly inclusive and fair workplaces.
Cultural intelligence, the ability to relate and work effectively across cultures, is deeply rooted in equity. Understanding and adapting to different cultural contexts requires recognizing that people from various backgrounds may need different types of support to succeed.
Consider this: A workplace that treats everyone the same isn't necessarily fair. An employee from a collectivist culture might struggle in an environment that solely rewards individual achievement. Similarly, a neurodivergent team member might excel with accommodations others don't need. Real equity—and high CQ—means recognizing these differences and providing tailored support.
Equity in practice is a demonstration of cultural intelligence. It shows that an organization understands the diverse needs of its workforce and is willing to adapt to meet them. This adaptability is at the heart of CQ.
Moreover, implementing equitable practices inherently builds cultural intelligence. As organizations work to identify and address systemic barriers, they gain deeper insights into the experiences of diverse groups. This increased understanding naturally boosts CQ throughout the organization.
On the flip side, attempts to build cultural intelligence without focusing on equity are likely to fall short. You can't truly understand and effectively interact with diverse cultures if you're not willing to acknowledge and address their unique challenges.
SHRM's decision to sideline equity isn't just a step back for DEI—it's a blow to the development of cultural intelligence in the workplace. By treating equity as optional, organizations risk stunting their CQ growth and limiting their ability to thrive in our increasingly diverse and globalized world.
As professionals committed to creating fair and inclusive workplaces, we must continue championing equity and cultural intelligence. They are two sides of the same coin, reinforcing and enhancing the other. In doing so, we're not just building better workplaces but fostering the skills and understanding necessary for success in our multicultural world.
The future of work isn't just diverse and inclusive—it's equitable and culturally intelligent. Let's ensure we're leading the way.
Talk to you soon,
Kimberly
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