John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor of Management and Psychology Quinetta Roberson and Assistant Professor of Communication Stephen Spates share their thoughts on the state and future of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the workplace.

Conversation Highlights: 

(0:29) – Quinetta on her background and what brought her to MSU.

(1:45) – Stephen on his background and what brought him to MSU.

(3:25) – Stephen on his research interests.

(5:18) – Quinetta on how her research interests have evolved.

(7:52) – What is the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues today? – “People are reacting to the terminology rather than what is in practice.”

(11:30) – “By putting the three words together, it takes away from what it’s all about.”

(13:47) – Are there some facts you would like to reinforce and/or some myths you’d like to dispel?

(20:56) – How does increasingly pervasive technology like artificial intelligence play into all this?

(26:04) – Are we in the moment of an opportunity? Is there some buyer’s remorse with the phrase DEI?

(32:04) – What are the three questions you ask leaders to reflect on?