Degree Name
MA in Sustainable Development
First Advisor
Amy Jersild
Abstract
Inclusion is a popular buzzword in development, but how can organizations evaluate and learn from their internal practices to better meet the needs of a more diverse population? In order for organizations to assess their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth, organizational development and capacity tools, if conducted in a participatory way, are essential for revealing this information through the process of evaluation and learning. In this course-linked Capstone, social inclusion and capacity assessments are thematic focuses. The paper will begin by briefly tracing the origins and context of social inclusion and then establish the definitions, reasoning and practice behind organizational assessment tools. Proposing a new organizational development tool, the iCAT (Inclusion Capacity Assessment Tool), the paper will highlight the creation of this tool, the approach and design, capacity areas, and unique considerations for using capacity assessment tools. Finally, reflecting on the learning process and transformation of an idea into a product, this paper suggests opportunities for the evolution of the iCAT and its relevance in today's sustainable development field.
Disciplines
Leadership Studies | Organization Development
Recommended Citation
Westfall, Charlotte Taylor, "Got Inclusion? How Inclusive is your Organization? Assessing Inclusion through the iCAT: Inclusion Capacity Assessment Tool for Organizational Capacity" (2016). Capstone Collection. 2941.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/capstones/2941