Rethinking diversity, equity, and inclusion in European smaller businesses

Abstract

In this chapter, we introduce the main thesis of the book: that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is an integral part of small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs’) strategic management and daily realities, even if SME managers and employees do not explicitly refer to the DEI terminology when addressing them. Moreover, we introduce the reasons for considering DEI in SMEs in Europe and present a framework for managing DEI in such firms. To do so, the entire book and this chapter acknowledge critiques of DEI literature. Additionally, the chapter explains why DEI, as currently defined, can be perceived as inaccessible, irrelevant, and distancing for SMEs. Rather than defending traditional DEI frameworks that are difficult to apply in resource-constrained SMEs, this chapter redefines DEI management for their context. The framework proposed builds on European values and legal frameworks, SME realities and management approaches, real cases, and best practices empirically collected and presented in this book.