The purpose of this paper is to propose an explicit decision-making structure that aligns with the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Many academic and non-profit organizations aiming to advance workplace DEI maintain traditional hierarchies and decision-making structures that can impede DEI principles. Formal consensus decision-making (FCDM) is an alternative decision-making model that aligns with the values of DEI and may benefit groups undertaking workplace DEI efforts.
The authors are members of a voluntary workgroup formed to promote workplace DEI. In this paper, we offer reflections and insights from group members regarding FCDM and how this practice can contribute to DEI efforts.
Based on group members’ reflections on using FCDM, we provide three main insights about how FCDM can contribute to organizational DEI efforts: (1) Group dynamics, which include greater psychological safety, increased collaboration and power sharing and reduced competition, (2) Group outputs, including clearer decisions and implementation plans and high-quality products and activities and (3) Challenges and tensions of FCDM, including the time needed for FCDM processes, the learning curve associated with a new way of making decisions and internal cognitive tensions when deciding on proposals.
We recommend organizations consider FCDM as a process that may promote DEI by providing an explicit structure through which to share power and foster deliberative group processing.
Our insights from practice represent a novel conceptualization of FCDM as a strategy for promoting DEI within organizations. We also offer considerations for groups seeking to adopt this form of decision-making.
