admin
Tue, 02/17/2026 - 19:53
Edited Text
1
Title: Walking the DEIB Talk in Higher Education
Abstract:
Purpose: One would be hard-pressed to find a Higher Education Institution (HEI) without
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB; AACSB International, 2021) among its
educational objectives. But “talking the talk” is different from “walking the walk.” In this
research project, we offer a model to audit or document the ways in which both “the talk” (e.g.,
mission, vision, and strategy statements) and “the walk” (structure of the faculty, students,
staff, courses, etc.) are enacted in a sample of schools from different backgrounds and contexts.
Design/methodology/approach: A literature review is guiding the development of the model
that will serve as a framework to document (or “audit”) how different schools “walk the DEIB
talk.” Based upon the concept of a management audit (Brender, Yzeiraj & Fragniere, 2015) our
framework can be used at different levels of organizational analysis (e.g., program, school,
university, etc.) to assess the extent to which DEIB is vocally supported as well as factually
maintained.
Findings: This study offers one starting point to develop a DEIB audit that has the potential to
improve the integrity and the impact with which HEIs, schools of business, or other focal units
support diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging goals.
Originality/value: The research project provides an original, evidence-based framework that
may be used to assess the thoroughness and the effectiveness with which diversity, equality,
inclusion, and belonging goals are pursued by higher education institutions that include (but are
not limited to) schools of business. In addition, this framework can be used in descriptive,
normative, and even prescriptive ways.
2
References
AACSB International. (2021, December 20). Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and
belonging. https://www.aacsb.edu/insights/publications/thought-papers/deib-positioningpaper
Brender, N., Yzeiraj, B., & Fragniere, E. (2015). The management audit as a tool to foster
corporate governance: an inquiry in Switzerland. Managerial Auditing Journal, 30(8/9, pp. 785811. https://doi.org/10.1108/MAJ-03-2014-1013
Title: Walking the DEIB Talk in Higher Education
Abstract:
Purpose: One would be hard-pressed to find a Higher Education Institution (HEI) without
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB; AACSB International, 2021) among its
educational objectives. But “talking the talk” is different from “walking the walk.” In this
research project, we offer a model to audit or document the ways in which both “the talk” (e.g.,
mission, vision, and strategy statements) and “the walk” (structure of the faculty, students,
staff, courses, etc.) are enacted in a sample of schools from different backgrounds and contexts.
Design/methodology/approach: A literature review is guiding the development of the model
that will serve as a framework to document (or “audit”) how different schools “walk the DEIB
talk.” Based upon the concept of a management audit (Brender, Yzeiraj & Fragniere, 2015) our
framework can be used at different levels of organizational analysis (e.g., program, school,
university, etc.) to assess the extent to which DEIB is vocally supported as well as factually
maintained.
Findings: This study offers one starting point to develop a DEIB audit that has the potential to
improve the integrity and the impact with which HEIs, schools of business, or other focal units
support diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging goals.
Originality/value: The research project provides an original, evidence-based framework that
may be used to assess the thoroughness and the effectiveness with which diversity, equality,
inclusion, and belonging goals are pursued by higher education institutions that include (but are
not limited to) schools of business. In addition, this framework can be used in descriptive,
normative, and even prescriptive ways.
2
References
AACSB International. (2021, December 20). Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and
belonging. https://www.aacsb.edu/insights/publications/thought-papers/deib-positioningpaper
Brender, N., Yzeiraj, B., & Fragniere, E. (2015). The management audit as a tool to foster
corporate governance: an inquiry in Switzerland. Managerial Auditing Journal, 30(8/9, pp. 785811. https://doi.org/10.1108/MAJ-03-2014-1013