Blinded by Diversity: Exploring Inclusion - A Qualitative Study on Employees' Understanding and Experience of Inclusion

Abstract: Aim: This research aims to better understand inclusion and how it can contribute to the development and creation of diversity policies that are reflective of employees' experiences. Specifically, we seek to explore employees' understanding and experiences of inclusion. Methodology: The study is a single case study of qualitative character, influenced by symbolic interactionism and an abductive approach. The empirical data was collected from ten semi-structured interviews at our case organisation, SchoolAB. Contributions: The findings have theoretical implications by expanding the current knowledge base on inclusion and diversity policies. The empirical findings uncover how employees understand and experience inclusion, both intuitively and consciously, and identify the barriers to inclusion. The interpretation of the findings highlights the crucial role of a sense of uniqueness, communication and organisational culture in fostering inclusion in the workplace. Moreover, the findings have theoretical contributions and practical implications about the importance of implementing inclusive policies that consider the employee perspective.