Chapter 5: Disentangling the effect of Power Inequalities in the Theory and Practice of Inclusion in Organizations

This chapter examines the role of power inequalities on the theory and practice of inclusion. We argue that the conceptualization of inclusion has to go beyond the narrative of belongingness and uniqueness to incorporate implicit power inequalities that exist among different groups, examine the mechanisms through which these power inequalities are sustained and reinforced, as well as explore how these power inequalities can be overcome in a feasible and effective manner. We begin by reviewing the extant literature on the implications of different types of diversity on power inequalities in organizations. Next, we examine how power inequalities emanating from the different types of diversity are reinforced and reproduced at the individual, group, and organizational levels, thereby hindering inclusion efforts, and maintaining the status quo in organizations. Finally, we offer a more comprehensive operationalization of inclusion that extends upon the traditional notion of belongingness and uniqueness and discuss future directions for inclusion research and practice.