In Trump’s shadow: questioning and testing the boundaries of inclusion
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges and opportunities created for inclusion by the election and installation of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the USA.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses the author’s personal and professional experience and perspectives to raise and address questions about the limits of inclusion, alternative perspectives on inclusion, and approaches for sustaining attention to and continuing to foster inclusion.
Findings
Although inclusion can be conceptualized in different ways, a nuanced and complex view that incorporates limits to tolerance of behavior that undermines inclusion along with clear rules of engagement, civility, and respect may be most useful and productive.
Originality/value
The paper applies a paradoxical perspective to understanding the implications of a Trump administration for the practice of inclusion, including those particularly relevant for organizational diversity and inclusion practitioners.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author is grateful to Andrea Szulik, to two anonymous reviewers, and to Ed Ng for helpful comments and suggestions that served to improve this article. Lynette Lively-Cookson provided valuable support in locating news articles and other background material.
Citation
Ferdman, B.M. (2018), "In Trump’s shadow: questioning and testing the boundaries of inclusion", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 37 No. 1, pp. 96-107. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-09-2017-0177
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited