Equity Versus Excellence? How Institutional Definitions of “Talent” Can Be Antithetical to Workplace Inclusion in Academia and What Can Be Done

Abstract

This chapter tackles the tension between equity and excellence that critics often highlight in opposition of diversity initiatives and efforts in the higher education employment setting. We present several arguments that respond to the assumptions undergirding these criticisms, by drawing on prior research to emphasize that equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive. Furthermore, we present new evidence from a national sample of Black and Hispanic Engineering Faculty (BHEF) (n = 68) to argue that their racialized work experiences promote exclusive environments that serve to sustain their underrepresentation and marginalize their performance contributions. We conclude with a new direction for how to cultivate inclusive work environments in higher education.

Citation

Tran, H. and Platt, S. (2023), "Equity Versus Excellence? How Institutional Definitions of “Talent” Can Be Antithetical to Workplace Inclusion in Academia and What Can Be Done", Jean-Marie, G. and Tran, H. (Ed.) Leadership in Turbulent Times (Studies in Educational Administration), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 157-178. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-494-420231011