Perspective Chapter: The Significance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Social Work Leadership

Abstract

There tends to be consensus among leaders that the most significant resource of any social work organization is its staff. However, many social work organiza- tions continuously pay little or no attention to staff diversity, equity, and inclusion. Leadership plays a crucial role in creating and sustaining a climate of diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations. Valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion entails a pro- cess but should also be the goal of all social work organizations. Recruiting, training, retaining, supervising, and managing an organization’s human resources are ongo- ing responsibilities primarily undertaken by social work leaders. This chapter will explore the role of leaders in creating and sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout all facets of a social work organization. A description of what it means to lead a social work organization with diversity, equity, and inclusion including qualities demonstrated by a leader in this type of organization will be provided. The significance of a metric-driven approach with clear benchmarks to measure diversity, equity, and inclusion will be explored. Keywords: diverse leaders, diversity, equity and inclusion, organizational leadership