Summarize the core concepts from the assigned readings: Diversity wins-How inclusion matters May 2020 by McKinsey & company, using quotations, where appropriate to demonstrate your understanding of the assigned text.
You may respond to one or more of the readings. You may also choose to tie together the core themes of the readings.
Consider the guiding questions below in your summary of the assigned reading. The purpose of this assignment is for you to understand and reflect on the course content, incorporating your own ideas for a better world of work.
Guiding questions:
1. Describe the core findings and results of the McKinsey report on Inclusion.
2. According to Taylor Carin’s Ted Talk, what meaning does the word “Belonging” have with respect to the workplace?
3. What is Lily Zheng’s approach to DEI?
Respond to the following assigned reading(s):
1. Hunt, V. et al. “Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters” McKinsey and Company. May 2020.
2. Human Leaders, “DEI Reconstructed: Practical Steps to Doing the Work Right with Lily Zheng.” We Are Huan Leaders, Season 2, Episode 29, 11 July 2023, https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast.
3. Taylor, Carin. “Belonging, A Critical Piece of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.” TedxSonoma County, 24 March 2022. https://www.ted.com/talks/carin_taylor_belonging_a_critical_piece_of_diversity_equity_inclusion
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Power of Inclusion: Creating a Better Workplace
In today’s globalized and interconnected world, diversity and inclusion have become increasingly important in the workplace. Companies are recognizing that diverse teams and inclusive environments not only lead to better business outcomes but also foster a greater sense of belonging and well-being among employees. Two key readings, the McKinsey report “Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters” and Taylor Carin’s TED Talk “Belonging, A Critical Piece of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion,” shed light on the core concepts surrounding the power of inclusion and its impact on the workplace. Additionally, Lily Zheng’s approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) provides practical steps for organizations to create a more inclusive work environment.
Core Findings of the McKinsey Report
The McKinsey report emphasizes the importance of inclusion in driving better business performance. By analyzing data from over 1,000 companies across 15 countries, the report reveals that diverse executive teams outperform their less diverse counterparts by 36% in terms of profitability. Furthermore, companies with diverse boards are more likely to achieve above-average financial returns. These findings highlight the correlation between diversity, inclusion, and business success.
The report also highlights several key factors that contribute to inclusion within organizations. Firstly, leadership commitment plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive culture. By setting clear goals and holding leaders accountable for diversity and inclusion initiatives, companies can create an environment where everyone feels valued and included. Secondly, companies should focus on building diverse talent pipelines through effective recruitment and retention strategies. Lastly, inclusive organizations prioritize fairness by ensuring equal opportunities for all employees and promoting diversity at every level of the organization.
Belonging in the Workplace
In her TED Talk, Carin Taylor explores the concept of belonging and its significance in creating an inclusive workplace. She defines belonging as “the feeling of being seen, heard, and valued for who you are.” Taylor emphasizes that belonging goes beyond mere diversity or representation; it is about creating an environment where individuals can bring their whole selves to work without fear of judgment or exclusion.
Taylor argues that organizations can foster a sense of belonging by actively listening to employees’ experiences, acknowledging their unique perspectives, and creating spaces for open dialogue. By promoting psychological safety and supporting employee well-being, companies can empower their workforce to thrive in an inclusive environment. Belonging is not just a tick-box exercise but a fundamental aspect of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Lily Zheng’s Approach to DEI
Lily Zheng offers a practical approach to implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in organizations. She emphasizes the need to move beyond mere diversity numbers and focus on creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and empowered. Zheng suggests three key steps for organizations:
Educate: Companies should invest in education and training programs to raise awareness about diversity issues, unconscious biases, and the importance of inclusion. By equipping employees with the knowledge and tools to address these challenges, organizations can foster a more inclusive environment.
Engage: Active engagement with employees is crucial in creating an inclusive workplace. This includes soliciting feedback, listening to diverse perspectives, and involving employees in decision-making processes. By involving employees in shaping the company’s culture and policies, organizations can ensure that everyone’s voices are heard and valued.
Empower: Empowering employees involves providing resources and support systems that allow them to succeed. This includes mentorship programs, employee resource groups, and flexible policies that accommodate different needs. Empowered employees are more likely to contribute their unique talents and perspectives, leading to a more innovative and inclusive work environment.
Conclusion
The core concepts from the assigned readings highlight the power of inclusion in creating a better workplace. The McKinsey report emphasizes the positive correlation between diversity, inclusion, and business performance. Taylor Carin’s TED Talk emphasizes the importance of belonging in fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Finally, Lily Zheng’s approach provides practical steps for organizations to implement effective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.
By embracing these core concepts and actively working towards creating an inclusive culture, organizations can harness the power of diversity, drive innovation, and create a workplace where everyone feels valued and included. In doing so, they can not only achieve better business outcomes but also contribute to a more equitable and just society.
