From Symbolic to Strategic: Validating a Systems-Based Maturity Framework for Inclusion in Organizations

This study introduces and validates a Strategic Inclusion Maturity Framework for assessing how well organizations embed inclusion into their systems, structures, and governance. Grounded in behavioral science, systems theory, and implementation science, the framework comprises five diagnostic domains: Aligned Objectives, Data Driven, Accountable Strategy, Capable Engagement, and Consistent Commitment. A two-phase diagnostic process was conducted across 20 organizations from diverse sectors and geographies, involving key internal stakeholders. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the structural integrity of the framework, and cluster analysis identified two distinct organizational profiles: Embedded Strategists and Symbolic Starters. Correlation and regression analyses further revealed that inclusion maturity positively predicts external employee perceptions, as reflected in Glassdoor scores, independent of organizational size. These findings validate the tool’s conceptual and practical utility, offering a scalable mechanism for internal benchmarking, cross-sector comparison, and strategic transformation. The study concludes with implications for practice and a future research agenda positioning inclusion as a measurable enterprise capability.