Research project Gear up: Implementing a model for diversity and inclusion
Diversity is seen by Volvo as a tool for recruiting sought-after staff that can contribute to strengthened innovation capacity. For this to become a reality, research shows that diversity needs to be paired with active work for inclusion.
The purpose of the project is to further develop, test and evaluate the process model Organizational Diversity & Inclusion Level (ODIL) in interactive processes together with Volvo. A model that consists of seven processes where both norm-conscious recruitment and inclusion are focused.
For a longer description, please see the Swedish project site, and attached pdf.
Project description
Why diversity and inclusion?
Research shows that diversity is a driver for innovation. Variety of skills, experience and knowledge among employees improves companies’ capacity to innovate
Lack of diversity may hinder possibilities for hiring and keeping skilled workers, develop effective team-processes, including “missed opportunities” for innovation, product development and business.
Recruitment is the first step, however research shows that diversity must be combined with inclusion.
Inclusion does not happen by itself, instead organizations need to work with their work culture and norms to succeed.
Aim
Increased norm-awareness among managers and employees at Volvo Group to strengthen innovation capacity
How
Together with Volvo Group develop, test and evaluate the Organisational Diversity and Inclusion model (ODIL) using a norm-reflexive methodology.
Why
The project “Trucks for all: Developing norm-critical innovation at Volvo”, 2017-2018, detected several organisational “fire walls” that both hinders and enables norm-creative innovation. The current project will target barriers for innovation.
Norm-reflexive methodology
In the project a norm-reflexive methodology is used to visualize implicit/ taken for granted norms, which is organized as follow:
- Doing interviews with practitioners; mostly HR and hiring managers.
- Written internal report with preliminary analysis of the interviews
- Organized workshops with practitioners. Preliminary analysis are discussed, validated and revised. Discussions around implicit and taken-for-granted implicit and explicit norms. Using specific tools that facilitate norm-reflection over everyday practices for learning and change.
Project members
Project managers
Susanne Andersson
Senior lecturer
Members
Dag Balkmar, docent
Docent
Anne-Charlott Callerstig, forskare
More about this project
Gear up. Project description ppt (3067 Kb)