From the Individual to the Organizational

Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work by Ruchika Tulshyan
The MIT Press, March 1, 2022

In Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work, Ruchika Tulshyan sets out to answer the following question: "If we believe in inclusion morally, ethically, and as a way to drive profitability and productivity, then why are we so terrible at it?” Her response: folks in leadership positions, the majority of whom are white and/or male, have not been taught how to create inclusive professional spaces. While inclusion may seem like a self-explanatory concept, Tulshyan compellingly argues that it is not enough to acknowledge it simply – it must be consciously practiced by all members of an organization. The author explores the experiences of women who have faced gender, color, and racial bias in the workplace, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness and action toward building more inclusive and diverse teams. Moreover, Tulshyan emphasizes the importance of creating a psychologically safe workplace where individuals feel valued and supported regardless of their background or identity. The text defines inclusive practices, each increasing in scope and complexity, from the individual to the organizational. Included in these sections are helpful acronyms for action as well as questions for reflection. These individual competencies are followed in later chapters by an interrogation of common professional practices that can perpetuate inequity and how to combat these tendencies with inclusive action. Ultimately, Tulshyan's message is one of hope and possibility. She argues that with the right mindset, attitudes, and practices, it is possible to create workplaces where everyone can thrive and succeed, regardless of their background.