Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Cultural Intelligence, or CQ, is the foundation and strategic link to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Scroll down to learn more.

DEI In Action

  • Harvard's Thoughts on CQ & DEI
  • Hear from a DEI Expert
  • Spectrum Health System's Partnership with CQ Center
  • CQ & Racial Equity at Dallas ISD

Dr. Upton and her colleagues at the Cultural Intelligence Center are by far the market leader in this work, and deserves such recognition given our experience at Harvard University.–—Dr. Barbara Nobles-Crawford, Executive Coach and Sr. Organization Consultant, Harvard University.

Harvard University

If Diversity is the landscape and Inclusion is the road to Equity, then CQ is the best most road-worthy vehicle to get you there.” –Marsha Ramroop, Founder Director, Unheard Voice Consultancy Ltd

“As Spectrum Health System continues to take deliberate steps to foster an environment that is inclusive, equitable and representative of our 30,000 employees and very diverse patient population, we recognize that CQ and our partnership with the CQ Center are foundational to our DEI work.” – Ovell Barbee, Senior Vice President, HR and Chief Diversity Officer Spectrum Health System

Dallas Independent School District

Large independent school district uses cq to address racial equity

SUMMARY:  Bespoke program designed to use Cultural Intelligence (CQ) as a strategy to address racial equity and create an anti-racist campus community.

RESULTS:  10-Month Timeline | Certified 100+ Internal Facilitators | Trained Over 22,000 Employees

Harvard's Thoughts on CQ & DEI

Dr. Upton and her colleagues at the Cultural Intelligence Center are by far the market leader in this work, and deserves such recognition given our experience at Harvard University.–—Dr. Barbara Nobles-Crawford, Executive Coach and Sr. Organization Consultant, Harvard University.

Harvard University

Hear from a DEI Expert

If Diversity is the landscape and Inclusion is the road to Equity, then CQ is the best most road-worthy vehicle to get you there.” –Marsha Ramroop, Founder Director, Unheard Voice Consultancy Ltd

Spectrum Health System's Partnership with CQ Center

“As Spectrum Health System continues to take deliberate steps to foster an environment that is inclusive, equitable and representative of our 30,000 employees and very diverse patient population, we recognize that CQ and our partnership with the CQ Center are foundational to our DEI work.” – Ovell Barbee, Senior Vice President, HR and Chief Diversity Officer Spectrum Health System

CQ & Racial Equity at Dallas ISD

Dallas Independent School District

Large independent school district uses cq to address racial equity

SUMMARY:  Bespoke program designed to use Cultural Intelligence (CQ) as a strategy to address racial equity and create an anti-racist campus community.

RESULTS:  10-Month Timeline | Certified 100+ Internal Facilitators | Trained Over 22,000 Employees

How CQ Supports DEI

For years, the case has been that more diversity equals improved organizational performance. But you can’t expect diverse groups to work together effectively and improve performance if they lack the skills to do so. Cultural intelligence (CQ) is the foundation and strategic link that ensures your DEI efforts lead to meaningful and sustainable results. The same holds true for any attempt to create an equitable and inclusive organizational culture.

Everyone has their own definition of DEI. We broadly define it as any organizational effort to increase diverse representation and create inclusive, equitable environments. More specifically, we define each of the areas as follows:

  • Diversity –  Working to increase the representation of difference at every level of the organization.
  • Equity – Actively challenging and responding to individual and systemic biases, behaviors policies and practices to ensure that everyone has fair access to opportunities.
  • Inclusion – Fostering an environment where people with different identities experience feeling welcomed, valued and leveraged.

 

The CQ Difference

CQ is the foundation and strategic link to creating diverse, inclusive and equitable work environments.

Using CQ to Build A DEI Organization

Developing DEI cultures and organizations is a journey, not a destination. We never fully arrive because we are always learning and growing. And things are constantly changing. Yet it is still reasonable to expect positive and measurable results along the way. But you must first discover where you are on the journey. After your discovery, you need to develop and execute culturally intelligent strategies to move you along the journey. We can help.

Our DEI work focuses on partnering with organizations and educational institutions around the globe to integrate CQ into their DEI initiatives. More specifically, we facilitate evidence-based processes that support an organization’s DEI Journey in ways that influence positive individual behavior, systems change and overall organizational performance. Where you are on your journey? Wherever you are, we can help.

 

DEI Tips and Best Practices

Tip #1 – As you prepare to roll out your DEI plan for 2021, what’s your plan for measuring your work? Not only should your efforts be culturally intelligent, you need tools such as the CQ Assessment to evaluate progress.

DEI Tips and Best Practices

Tip #2 – According to a recent Mckinsey study, even before COVID-19, progress on advancing DEI in the workplace had been slow. The pandemic has only made things worse. Only one in six diverse employees feels more supported. Cultural Intelligence is the strategic link to expediting the work and making sustainable progress.

DEI Tips and Best Practices

Tip #3 – The CDO is not the organizational savior who comes with fairy dust and a magic wand to solve the organization’s DEI problems overnight. Instead, their job is to leverage their expertise to develop and facilitate a strategic roadmap and process that develops buy-in and engagement at every level of the organization. DEI is everyone’s job.

DEI Tips and Best Practices

Tip #4 – DEI without CQ has limited effectiveness. When we build in CQ solutions, the outcomes are significant and sustainable.

DEI Tips and Best Practices

Tip #5 – Inclusion is not only welcoming everyone, but it’s having a culture and a set of organizational routines that are explicitly inclusive

About the Cultural Intelligence Center

Who We Are

The Cultural Intelligence Center is an innovative, research-based consulting and training organization that draws upon empirical findings to help executives, companies, universities, and government organizations assess and improve cultural intelligence (CQ)—the ability to work effectively with people from different nationalities, ethnicities, age groups, and more. We provide you with innovative solutions that improve multicultural performance based on rigorous academic research.  Watch this short video to learn more.

what we do

We provide Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs), Human Resource Leaders, Talent Acquisition Managers and anyone working in the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) space with research-based, practical and customized culturally intelligent solutions that guide and support you on your DEI Journey. We help develop innovative solutions that improve multicultural performance based on rigorous academic research. In culturally diverse situations, CQ helps to predict the following:

  • Personal Adjustment and Adaptability
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Negotiation Effectiveness
  • Trust, Idea Sharing, and Innovation
  • Leadership Effectiveness
  • Profitability and Cost-Savings

BENEFITS OF CQ include

With our help, organizations that implement CQ solutions typically benefit in many ways including:

  • Success in culturally diverse markets
  • Speed and efficiency when working across borders
  • Effective short-term and long-term global assignments
  • Becoming an employer of choice
  • Profitability and cost savings
  • Multicultural team effectiveness
  • Global virtual team effectiveness

Get Started with our Free CQ and DEI Resources

I hope you enjoy this collection of CQ free resources.

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CQ Model – Take a deep dive into CQ, view the CQ Model

Let's Partner

I would love to get to know you better and help determine whether or not a CQ solution is right for your organization.  A little bit about me.

THE EXPANDED CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE SCALE

Dr. Sandra Upton

Vice President, Global Diversity Practice

I serve as VP, Global Diversity Practice and provide strategic direction for applying Cultural Intelligence (CQ) to DEI work across all segments and industries. I previously worked with schools and universities through her role as Vice President of Educational Initiatives. In addition, I am a regular speaker, trainer, and consultant on cultural intelligence with companies and non-profit organizations. As a former business school dean and organizational consultant, I understand how to effectively integrate CQ with organizations’ D&I initiatives and global leadership programs. I also facilitated study abroad experiences in places such as China, Europe, Israel, and South Africa. I find my greatest pleasure in spending time with my husband and two children. I also travel, reading, watching a good film, and long walks.

Is CQ and DEI right for your organization?

Please fill out the form below and let’s find out.  I will respond within 1-2 business days.

Complimentary Cultural Intelligence for Leaders Packet

Learn to Lead with Cultural Intelligence

Now, more than ever, companies need effective leaders at all levels of the organization. Being able to bring together and get the best out of team members from different generations, socio-economic backgrounds, ethnic roots, countries, religions, and educational backgrounds requires a Culturally Intelligent Leader.

We have a collection of Cultural Intelligence leadership articles written by social scientist, speaker, and author Dr. David Livermore.  The article topics include:

  • 5 Questions Culturally Intelligent Leaders Ask Themselves Every Day
  • Leadership Advice You Should Ignore
  • How Culturally Intelligent Leaders Make Decisions

About the Author

David Livermore, PhD (Michigan State University) is a social scientist devoted to the topics of cultural intelligence (CQ) and global leadership and the author of several award-winning books. Learn more about Dr. David Livermore by visiting his website.

To receive your complimentary CQ for Leaders Packet, please provide your email address below.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive promotional emails from The Cultural Intelligence Center (you can opt-out at any time).  We will send you an email with a link to download CQ for Leaders Packet.