Authors: KANUPRIYA SHEKHAR¹ and Dr. SANJAY SRIVASTAVA²

Abstract

With the developments in technology, globalization, and demographics, it has become strategically and ethically important for organizations to create truly inclusive workplaces. This research analyzes the effect of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) programs on employee engagement in the Information Technology (IT) industry in India with emphasis placed upon how inclusion translates to fair and sustainable business results. Based on a sample survey of 247 IT professionals, the study utilized a non-experimental correlational framework capturing workplace engagement at an intellectual, social and emotional level through standardized instruments. Results show there is a strong positive correlation (r = .668, p < .01) between perceived inclusion and employee engagement which affirms the organizational benefits arising from psychological safety, equity, and sense of community. Moreover, the study sustains that cultures with inclusivity provide not just individual resilience but also group creativity alongside moral responsiveness which challenges traditional corporate governance thinking today. The research justifies inclusion on ethical grounds framed as business case arguments accentuating debates within accountancy and corporate social responsibility circles about why corporations have to embrace inclusiveness--to advance human dignity into work.

Keywords: Diversity and Inclusion (D&I); Employee Engagement; Workplace Inclusion; Workplace Inclusion.

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