The Drivers of Diversity and Inclusion Management : A study about diversity and inclusion in organisations in the Czech Republic

Abstract: The importance of diversity and inclusion is spreading worldwide and some countries seem to have developed further than others. The purpose of this study is to describe attitudes toward diversity in a workplace context in the Czech Republic as well as explore ambitions that could be contributing to the development of Diversity Management. A qualitative, inductive method has been used, consisting of nine interviews with people working in HR and DEI. The findings of this study reveal that those working with DEI are often idealists, with a motivation to succeed in the business case as well as the social justice case. Their ambitions are often dependent on strategies for change. The lack of awareness of diversity and inclusions importance in the Czech Republic calls for DEI and HR managers to effectively get across their message. One of the findings implies that open communication has to be encouraged, as this seems to be a restraining factor of inclusion in the Czech Republic. This study is important because it shows that attitudes and ambitions on an individual level, rather than a societal or organisational level, are the determining factors of development within DEI. It also shows that, when it comes to shifting people's mindsets, the most powerful way to do so is through communication, engagement, and education.