Inclusion is the practice of providing equal access to resources, services, and opportunities to a particular population; for instance, in a workplace, inclusion involves putting effort to achieve a work environment where all the individuals receive fair and respectful treatment in addition to having full access to opportunities and contributing fully to the organization’s success. Inclusive behavior involves the inclusion of all individuals regardless of their abilities, talents, strengths, work ethic, or disabilities.

Inclusive behavior depicts good leadership skills. For instance, inclusive behavior is seen when a leader either includes and seeks inputs from different people from a wide variety of backgrounds, understands and considers their contribution, and provides verbal or non-verbal feedback. In the case study, Teresa, the chair of the social committee for the Union Programming Board (UPB), showed inclusive behavior by rescheduling the theme from Christmas time to winter fest to ensure all the students attended the event. She also plans to involve the students in planning the event by including them in planning for the decorations, music, food, and other related activities. Inclusive behavior may also include creating and cultivating a welcoming environment that includes all individuals in terms of roles, experiences to promote a sense of belonging or develop a shared commitment.

Non-inclusive behavior entails not including other individuals in certain aspects, for instance, in decision making. Non-inclusive behavior impedes diversity and promotes monotony; it involves inappropriate behavior like discrimination, bias, harassment, and other unfairness forms. Non-inclusive behavior can also be seen in non-verbal aspects like using words, humor, gestures, and any other behavior that tends to be offensive.

SumAll CEO, Dane Atkinson, practiced inclusive behavior by empowering the employees and staff of his company. He empowered them by allowing them to select and elect their bosses; this allowed them to choose a loyal leader and respect them. The empowerment promotes employees to exercise greater control over their work lives, boosting morale and enhancing performance.