Modern societies are becoming increasingly complex and diverse and the way public services are delivered is changing rapidly. To keep pace, public services need to be inclusive and representative of the diverse communities they serve. Public organizations need to understand and address this diversity to ensure everyone has equal access to services. However, research in this area is scattered, making it difficult to develop effective strategies.

This exciting new NIG colloquium, “Diversity, Representation, and Inclusion”, aims to bridge this gap. The colloquium will delve into three key themes:

1. How (public) organizations address issues of diversity, representation, and inclusion.
2. The interplay between issues of diversity, representation, and inclusion, and societal and technological changes.
3. The impacts of (the management of) inclusion, diversity, and representation on the macro, micro, and meso levels of society.

The colloquium offers a vibrant platform for learning and networking. We’ll host an annual NIG conference panel, in-depth seminars on specific topics, and masterclasses featuring leading experts. Whether you’re an established scholar or an emerging researcher, we invite you to join us in creating a more inclusive future for public service delivery. Stay tuned!

Society is evolving towards increasing complexity and diversity, encompassing a spectrum of factors such as “race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, political affiliation, educational attainment, religion, physical ability, and even generational cohort” (Sabharwal et al. 2018, p. 249). Scholars commonly refer to this mix of characteristics as “diversity.” Representation and inclusion follow from this as they translate the basic idea of social categorization to the management of public organizations. Understanding how organizations address these issues, the factors influencing their approaches, and the broader societal impact at different levels, is essential.

To gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, we propose three overarching themes:

1. How (public) organizations address issues of diversity, representation, and inclusion.

This question forms the cornerstone of our investigation, probing into the strategies, policies, and practices organizations employ to manage diversity and foster inclusive, safe, and representative environments. Understanding how public organizations negotiate the opportunities and challenges of diversity, and implement inclusive practices, is pivotal for evaluating their efficacy and pinpointing areas for improvement.

2. The interplay between issues of diversity, representation, and inclusion and societal and technological changes.

In today’s interconnected world, societal and technological changes exert profound influences on organizational and individual behavior and decision-making. We explore the dynamic interplay between external factors—such as demographic shifts (e.g., aging populations), cultural changes (e.g., changing norms), technological advancements (e.g., AI)—and organizational responses. Understanding these changes enables us to see how organizations adapt and leverage new technologies to enhance inclusion and representation.

3. The impacts of (the management of) inclusion, diversity, and representation on the macro, micro, and meso levels of society.

In order to realize inclusive and responsive public service delivery, we need to know whether and how (the management of) diversity, representation, and inclusion affect outcomes on different levels. On the macro level, they influence economic systems, political frameworks, and cultural norms. At the meso-level, they shape organizational and community variables, while at the micro-level, they impact individuals and interpersonal interactions.                                         

These perspectives aim to explore various dimensions of diversity, representation, and inclusion within organizational contexts, considering both internal organizational dynamics and external societal influences. They also seek to understand the broader implications of these factors across different levels of society.

Sabharwal, Meghna, Helisse Levine, and Maria D’Agostino. 2018. “A Conceptual Content Analysis of 75 Years of Diversity Research in Public Administration.” Review of Public Personnel Administration 38 (2): 248–67. https://doi.org/10.1177/0734371X16671368.

The proposed colloquium is designed to advance understanding and research in these critical areas. The colloquium will organize two main activities each year for five years, designed to provide ample opportunities for learning and networking among participants.

NIG Conference Panel (Annual):
The primary objective of this annual panel is to bring together diverse perspectives and research on the theme of diversity, representation, and inclusion. We will also seek to enhance the international visibility and impact of our colloquium by submitting panel proposals to conferences such as the EGPA and PMRC.

Seminars (Three):
These seminars will delve into specific topics within the broader theme of diversity, representation, and inclusion. Examples of seminar topics may include artificial intelligence and representation, inclusive leadership and organizational behavior, (psychological) safety and safeguarding, or diversity in citizen-state interactions. 

Fragmentation in research regarding diversity, representation, and inclusion also extends to differences in research methods and approaches. To address this, we will organize one seminar focusing on methodological challenges in order to bridge the gap and foster a more comprehensive perspective on diversity, representation, and inclusion.

Masterclass (Two):
The masterclass sessions will feature keynote presentations or guest lectures by (inter)national experts in the fields of diversity, representation, and/or inclusion. These experts may range from established professors to emerging scholars, offering diverse perspectives and innovative insights. While the target audience for these sessions includes academics of all ages and ranks, special emphasis will be placed on engaging NIG students and early-career researchers.

We anticipate achieving the following outcomes:

– Establishment of a vibrant and engaged network comprising both senior and junior NIG scholars dedicated to the study of diversity, representation, and inclusion.
– Conducting a minimum of 2 seminars, each with approximately 20 participants.
– Hosting at least 3 master classes, each accommodating around 20 participants.
– Organizing 5 panel sessions at upcoming NIG conferences, with an anticipated submission of about 12 abstracts for each session.
– Arranging at least 1 panel session at a prestigious international conference such as EGPA or PMRC.
– Publication of a special issue featuring contributions from diverse subdisciplines within the field of diversity, representation, and inclusion research.

dr. Tanachia Ashikali (Assistant Professor, Leiden University, Institute of Public Administration)

prof. dr. Sandra Groeneveld (Professor, Leiden University, Institute of Public Administration)

Ms. Sheeling Neo (Postdoctoral Researcher, Erasmus University Rotterdam, School of Social and Behavioural Sciences)

dr. Martin Sievert (Assistant Professor, Leiden University, Institute of Public Administration)

dr. Vidar Stevens (Assistant Professor, Utrecht University, School of Governance)

Msc. Daphne van Helden (PhD Candidate, Erasmus University Rotterdam, School of Social and Behavioural Sciences)

dr. Petra van den Bekerom (Assistant Professor, Leiden University, Institute of Public Administration)