A Scoping Review of the Impacts of Organizational Culture on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Efforts

Abstract

The following paper aims to discuss the multifaceted interaction of organizational culture and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This paper investigates the impact of organizational culture on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives through a scoping review. Using the Arksey and O'Malley framework, enhanced by Levac et al., and adhering to the PRISMA-ScR checklist, this review systematically identifies, selects, and synthesizes literature from 2016 to 2023. A comprehensive search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and AJOL yielded 169 articles. After removing duplicates, 152 articles were screened for relevance, and 105 were excluded based on title and abstract. Of the 47 full-text articles assessed, only 15 met the inclusion criteria, focusing on the intersection of organizational culture and DEI. Key findings highlight that leadership commitment and active employee engagement are essential for embedding DEI into organizational culture. Transparent and inclusive policies significantly influence workforce satisfaction and organizational performance. Cultural dimensions, such as power distance and collectivism versus individualism, shape the effectiveness of DEI strategies, while societal norms and regulatory frameworks critically affect their success. The review underscores the importance of aligning leadership practices and organizational culture with external influences to foster sustainable DEI outcomes. This study provides actionable recommendations for organizations, emphasizing the integration of leadership-driven DEI strategies, culturally sensitive practices, and compliance with societal and regulatory expectations. These insights aim to guide organizations in cultivating equitable, inclusive workplaces while enhancing performance and workforce satisfaction.