Contextualizing inclusion: Developing a framework and measure for a military context

• Published in: Military psychology Vol. 32; no. 4; pp. 313 - 328
• Main Authors: Brown, Tara A. (Rench), Ratwani, Krista L., Key-Roberts, Melinda J., Simmons, Mathias J., Toumbeva, Tatiana H., Nishii, Lisa H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Routledge 03.07.2020
• Subjects: army climate; Climate for inclusion; diversity; inclusive climate; respect; diversity; army climate; Climate for inclusion; inclusive climate; respect
• ISSN: 0899-5605; 1532-7876
• DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2020.1754147

Given recent changes and transitions occurring within the US military, it is imperative - now more than ever - that leaders find a way to leverage demographic and functional diversity in their units to support mission effectiveness. Academic researchers have found that fostering a climate for inclusion, where all individuals feel like they are fairly treated, valued, and included, can maximize the benefits of diversity, while minimizing potential disadvantages. However, no research has systematically explored what it means to assess and develop a climate for inclusion in the military context. The current research employs a multi-study approach comprised of both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand how a climate for inclusion manifests itself within the military, how to assess it, and the factors that contribute to inclusive environments. Across the three studies, over 700 US Army Soldiers provided input via focus groups or surveys, resulting in a 16-item climate for inclusion measure representing two dimensions - horizontal social inclusion and vertical information inclusion. This research, and the resulting climate for inclusion measure, provides the foundation that military leaders need to effectively leverage diversity in their units to yield performance improvements.