Organizations that seek to achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion as measurable outcomes know the importance of metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in their efforts. DEI metrics allow organizations to better understand and operationalize their challenges, hold their leaders and other stakeholders responsible for making progress, and experiment with targeted interventions to reduce inequity. However, even in organizations that already recognize the importance of DEI metrics, leaders can struggle to measure the right ones. It’s both hard to know where to start and challenging to draw out the most important metrics from the noise.
To Make Lasting Progress on DEI, Measure Outcomes
Tracking demographic representation is just the start.
January 27, 2023
Anan Thanakitkotinon/Getty Images
Summary.
Organizations that have committed to making progress on DEI goals know the importance of metrics and KPIs, but even the most committed to tracking metrics often struggle to identify the right ones. While tracking demographic data is important, there are a variety of other metrics organizations can focus on that shed light on DEI outcomes (disambiguated by demographic). To ensure that organizations make tangible and lasting progress on DEI goals, the author recommends three actions to take with regards to tracking metrics. First, recognize the importance of outcome metrics beyond demographics. Next, for each category that you choose to measure, develop a theory of change to identify tailored proxy metrics. Finally, to ensure that these findings result in lasting outcomes, create a plan in advance for using that data to follow up and take action.
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New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to build a better, more just workplace.