The relevance of glocal support for DEIB: a mixed-method approach

Purpose In today’s globalized landscape, organizations face the challenge of expanding their reach while maintaining their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). This study employs an exploratory sequential and participative mixed-methods approach to investigate the concept of “glocal” support for DEIB—the evolving interplay of global and local processes, transforming through iterative adaptations, that enhance the DEIB over time—within a global organization operating across eight offices on three continents. Design/methodology/approach To gain a deeper insight into this emerging concept, I conducted a sequential exploratory with components of participative mixed-method inquiry to understand the interplay between local and global support for DEIB within a non-profit global organization spanning eight countries and three continents. Rather than isolating these two support levels, this study explores their intersection by employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. This approach permits an initial exploration of the nature of glocal support and subsequently facilitates an empirical evaluation of the predictive influence of glocal support beyond other DEIB-related factors. The paper presents the outcomes of two distinct phases: (1) A focus group comprising key employees from eight different offices to elucidate the concept of glocal support and DEIB work. (2) A comprehensive survey probing glocal support in contrast to individual, team, and organizational practices. Findings Study 1 (N = 62) identifies three key components of glocal DEIB support: fairness in decision-making, leadership modeling of DEIB values, and ongoing DEIB dialogue. Study 2 (N = 264) quantitatively assesses glocal support’s impact on DEIB outcomes, revealing its predictive strength above and beyond individual, team, and organizational factors. Notably, organizational accountability emerges as key to successful DEIB work, while evidence shows glocal support for DEIB shows to be the most significant driver of DEIB initiatives. Originality/value This paper emphasizes the significance of these characteristics within a DEIB framework and offers a method to assess an organization’s position, aiding targeted DEIB culture enhancement efforts. Despite certain limitations, this research advances the discourse on DEIB within global organizations. It illuminates the intricate relationship between local and global support structures, contributing to developing a glocal DEIB support framework. The implications of this work extend to various industries and offer a foundation for the pursuit of enhanced DEIB initiatives globally.