Breaking Down Barriers
For many of us, the places that we live and work in are becoming more diverse than ever before. Increased geographical mobility, greater recognition of the rights of minority groups and more people with disabilities living within mainstream communities mean that our societies are rapidly transforming.
Research evidence suggests that diversity in leadership teams, workforces and society are highly valuable and can drive better performance and standards of living. Yet we know that there are still significant barriers to inclusion and achievement of equitable rights for women, indigenous people, people from ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, older people and some religious groups.
This theme focuses on the meaning of diversity and the many different ways this can be conceptualised.
We are also interested in the different policies, services and mechanisms that have been used to drive equity and social inclusion.
Competitive Advantage
Attention to equity, diversity and inclusion outcomes is crucial to successful business practice, public sector management and effective policy implementation. Researchers within this theme have a broad range of theoretical and practical expertise in addressing these issues, with particular speciality in gender and disability. They have undertaken research and consultancy work for state, territory and federal governments and non-government organisations.