Social Justice & Moral Imperative for Diversity & Inclusion in Healthcare

Abstract

This short article discusses diversity and inclusion in healthcare as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and as a moral imperative. It describes CSR as the relationship between an organization and society, in which efficient operations are aligned with ethical and responsible conduct, and in which sustainability requires balancing the three elements of the triple bottom line: profit, people and planet. Drawing on the business literature, the author argues that commitment to CSR builds a positive image, credibility, trust and brand reputation, and that earning a profit and solving society's problems are not mutually exclusive; unlike old-school strategic management that exploited employees and customers, businesses must now consider the social impact of their operations to maintain competitive advantage. Diversity and inclusion efforts are presented as an opportunity for organizations to do the right and fair thing. In healthcare, diversifying the physician workforce to match the changing US population can help address health care disparities, since minority physicians provide a disproportionate amount of care to underserved populations and are more likely to understand disparities affecting minority patients, while a culture of inclusion supports culturally competent care. The article concludes that a CSR strategy including broad diversity and true inclusion benefits all stakeholders, helping healthcare organizations reach new patients and recruit, retain and develop employees.

Abstract prepared by the editorial office from the full text of the article; the authors did not supply one.