A TOOL TO EXPAND ORGANIZATIONAL UNDERSTANDING OF WORKFORCE DIVERSITY - EXPLORING A MEASURE OF INCLUSION-EXCLUSION

The authors propose that the heterogeneous workforce is a reality that is here to stay, and the current diversity focus needs to be extended to include a bridge between diversity characteristics and the organiz ational environment. Defined as a continuum of the degree to which ind ividuals feel a part of critical organizational processes, the concept of inclusion-exclusion is presented as that bridge. Based on conceptu alizing inclusion-exclusion as comprised of three sub-dimensions of ac cess to information and resources, involvement in work groups, and abi lity to influence the decision making process, a 14-item scale was dev eloped and tested on a sample of 158 Master's level social work intern s. The new scale shows reliability (Alpha =.84) as well as convergent and discriminant validity wit measures of satisfaction adn alienation.