Amidst Global DEI Rollbacks, Will Asia Power On?
The Conference Board uses cookies to improve our website, enhance your experience, and deliver relevant messages and offers about our products. Detailed information on the use of cookies on this site is provided in our cookie policy. For more information on how The Conference Board collects and uses personal data, please visit our privacy policy. By continuing to use this Site or by clicking "OK", you consent to the use of cookies. 

Amidst Global DEI Rollbacks, Will Asia Power On?

/ Report

The US Supreme Court’s recent decision to limit affirmative action in higher education along with a polarized political and social environment are forcing organizations, not only in education, but business as well, to reevaluate the future of their diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) programs.

With many US firms reassessing their DEI strategies, DEI professionals in Asia are keenly tracking the developing global story and, in some cases, reshaping their DEI agendas to align with the shifting stances of their global HQs. This report is based on interviews and conversations with 25 DEI leaders in Asia to gain insights about how they are responding to the growing discussions about the future of DEI strategy in the US.

Trusted Insights for What’s AheadTM

The US Supreme Court’s recent decision to limit affirmative action in higher education along with a polarized political and social environment are forcing organizations, not only in education, but business as well, to reevaluate the future of their diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) programs.

With many US firms reassessing their DEI strategies, DEI professionals in Asia are keenly tracking the developing global story and, in some cases, reshaping their DEI agendas to align with the shifting stances of their global HQs. This report is based on interviews and conversations with 25 DEI leaders in Asia to gain insights about how they are responding to the growing discussions about the future of DEI strategy in the US.

Trusted Insights for What’s AheadTM

  • In Asia, where cultural diversity has deep historical roots, DEI executives say their companies are continuing to pursue the goal of building more inclusive work environments without feeling the need to directly mimic Western strategies. While focusing on the Asian context, they specifically cite initiatives in the areas of gender equity, intersectionality (i.e. the acknowledgement that everyone has their own unique experiences of discrimination) and developing more inclusive leaders.
  • Some Asia DEI teams are being proactive and reevaluating their programs and adopting a cautious “wait and see” approach. They are now being more deliberate in how they communicate their DEI initiatives - internally and externally. The controversy also presents an opportunity for organizations to step back and refine strategies, priorities, commitments, and communications around DEI and craft a thoughtful strategy for Asia within the emergent global context.  
  • Recent changes in U.S. laws and societal attitudes have yet to have direct impact on organizations in the Asia-Pacific Region, executives say. However, some said their organizations have experienced reductions in DEI-related budgets and asked by HQs to reposition regional DEI narratives, calling into question the organization’s commitment to DEI going forward. 
This publication is only available to Members. Please sign in to your myTCBTM account to access it. To learn more about becoming a Member, click here. To check if your company is a Member, click here

Forgot Password?

 

Keep my computer signed in

 

By Clicking 'Create Account',
You Agree To Our Terms Of Use

Create Account  

Members of The Conference Board get exclusive access to Trusted Insights for What’s AheadTM through publications, Conferences and events, webcasts, podcasts, data & analysis, and Member Communities.

Authors

Jane Horan, EdD

Jane Horan, EdD Jane Horan, EdD

Distinguished Principal Research Fellow and Progra…
The Conference Board

Read Bio

Sandhya Karpe, PhD

Sandhya Karpe, PhD Sandhya Karpe, PhD

Human Capital Center Leader, Asia and Program Dire…
The Conference Board

Read Bio

Other Related Resources

✕
hubCircleImage