Book Review: Building a Culture of Inclusivity
Building a Culture of Inclusivity: Effective Internal Communication for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will help to remove a lot of the confusion, doubt and fear related to diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) for internal communicators.
The interlinked relationship between inclusivity and internal communications is distilled into best practice in this field-leading book from two of the industry’s most successful practitioners, Priya Bates and Advita Patel.
Published earlier this year, this is not just a book of communications tips, it seeks to spark a whole corporate mindset shift, putting inclusion at the heart of organisational strategy, with communicators leading the change.
It skilfully defines the concepts of diversity, equality and inclusion, why they are intrinsic to organisational success, and the many implications which communicators must consider and act on.
Bates and Patel (recently named CIPR President-elect for 2025) have impressive CVs as change makers, communicators and business people.
The English-Canadian duo draw on case studies from both sides of the Atlantic (from PepsiCo to Brewdog), using the UK’s Equality Act as their legal touchstone.
Part one provides contextual analysis and exploration of contemporary issues, as well as vital factual information designed by the authors to “make you think.”
Part two’s intensely practical focus introduces frameworks created by the authors as communications planning tools, breaking them down and explaining their use. Alongside ‘classic’ internal communications advice sits a trove of tailored content, a mere snapshot of which includes how to manage awareness days, how to make online communications accessible, or how to minimise jargon to boost inclusion. At the same time, the issue of language and why it matters is explored, and a useful glossary of key terms is provided.
Throughout, the authors link their advice not just to fairness but to the bottom line – detailing evidence relating to engagement, performance and reputation, citing the McKinsey statistic that “when organisations have a representative workforce, their financial performance is 25% better than organisations that don’t.”
Diverse content makes this an appealing resource, with reflective questions at the end of every chapter to challenge the reader and reinforce key points. A judicious sprinkling of personal examples adds authenticity, and an informed but accessible tone means the book should be useful to practitioners at all levels.
The logical, structured approach will help internal communications professionals bring order to managing what could otherwise be an enormous challenge.
Repeated throughout, the mantra “progress not perfect” underlines the authors’ message that trying is better than doing nothing or being complacent about fostering inclusivity.
Bates and Patel’s book is packed with no-nonsense nuggets like “it’s not survey fatigue, it’s lack-of-action fatigue!”, “focus on the conversation, not the campaign” and the reality-checking “don’t expect to go from zero to hero overnight,” rendering this an honest and entertaining read, never dull or worthy.
Building a Culture of Inclusivity is a book that speaks to the wonderful variety of people that make up any organisation and the variety of communication approaches needed to engage. It’s full of important techniques which any internal communicator should have in their repertoire.
Building a Culture of Inclusivity: Effective Internal Communication for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Kogan Page, 2023
£29.99
About Claire Munro
Claire Munro Chart.PR, CMktr is an award-winning communications professional and manager with over 15 years of experience in Scotland’s environment and housing sectors.
She’s on the Committee of CIPR Scotland and has a CIPR Diploma in Internal Communications and the AMEC International Certificate in Measurement and Evaluation. Claire is both a Chartered PR and a Chartered Marketer.