Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity in Business in South Asia : A Multilevel Framework (Palgrave Studies in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization in Business)

This volume provides an intercultural perspective on the current state of research and practice related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and indigeneity (DEII) in South Asia. It features contributions from scholars across the South Asian region, focusing on the ways in which DEII initiatives are influenced by a variety of factors, including legislative, political, social, patriarchal, religious, governance, and corporate policies.

While much of the existing DEII research has primarily centered on mono-cultural Western-oriented contexts, often referred to as "WEIRD" (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, & Democratic) nations, South Asian countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka represent multicultural developing economies with diverse educational, democratic, and industrialization levels. This collection seeks to examine the applicability and relevance of current DEII knowledge within this unique South Asian context.

The editors of this work adopt a relational, multilevel framework to emphasize that effective diversity management cannot be divorced from the sociocultural and institutional landscape. They explore the innovative DEII policies and practices specific to South Asia, reflecting the region's shared history, values, beliefs, and colonial legacies.

The text is structured into four sections: social, political, and historical contexts; management policies and practices; the changing nature of work; and leading and managing through DEII. This segmentation allows for a comprehensive exploration of the nuances inherent to South Asian countries due to their common historical experiences, cultural values, beliefs, and colonial influences.

Intending to capture the current landscape of DEII policies, practices, and their impact on fostering or hindering diversity, equity, and inclusion in South Asia, this book will be of interest to scholars specializing in HRM, cross-cultural management, and employment relations, particularly those seeking insights within the South Asian and broader Global South contexts.

1. Contextualizing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity in Business in South Asia: An Overview Samina M. Saifuddin, Rana Haq, Ravi S. Ramani, and Isis Gutiérrez-Martínez.- 2. Reclaiming the Past to Reframe an Equitable Future A Historical View of Diversity & Inequality in South Asia Shaista E. Khilji and Samina M. Saifuddin.- 3. Re-Imagining Intersectionality: Contextualizing the Wheel of Power and Privilege in the Case of Nepal Alina Spanuth, Kaushal Sapkota, Bhawana Shrestha, and Biswash Praja (Chepang).- 4. Recontextualizing DEII: South Asian Organizational Realities and Their Contrast with Western Frameworks Muhammad Ruhul Amin and Salma Akther.- 5. Diversity Practices in Public vs. Private Organizations in India: A Critique of Caste-blind Practices Poonam Barhoi and Manan Pathak.- 6. Inclusive Organizations and the Importance of Context: Evidence from MNC Subsidiaries in Pakistan Sana Ahmed.- 7. Driving Social Sustainability through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Indian Organizations Bhavya Kapoor and Manasi Vahia.- 8. Asynchronous Workflows: Investigating Temporal Diversity Shareefa TP and Lata Dyaram.- 9. DEII for Educated Women in the Formal Labor Force in Bangladesh: Going Beyond the Basics Faria Rashid.- 10. Jogajog: Exploring Networking, Social Media, and Career Benefits in Bangladesh Samina M. Saifuddin and Laila Zaman.- 11. Work and Voice of Employees in the Human-Technology Epoch: A m-TISM approach Apoorva Goel and Lata Dyaram.- 12. Virtual Work and Allyship in the Workplace: Advancing DEI in South Asia Ravi S. Ramani and Marcelius Lewis II.- 13. Contextualizing DEI Leadership: Qualitative Evidence from Leaders in India Harinder Chhina, Muhammad Ruhul Amin, and Samina M. Saifuddin.- 14. Against the Grain: Women Rise to Leadership Roles in Bangladesh Samina M. Saifuddin and Faria Rashid.- 15.A Way Forward: DEII in South Asia Isis Gutiérrez-Martínez, Ravi S. Ramani, Rana Haq, and Samina M. Saifuddin.

Samina M. Saifuddin is an Associate Professor of Management in the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management at Morgan State University, USA

Rana Haq is a Professor in the School of Business Management at Laurentian University, Canada.

Ravi S. Ramani is an Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management in the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management at Morgan State University, USA.

Isis Gutiérrez-Martínez is a Professor in the Department of Business Administration at Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Mexico.