Inclusion Initiatives Research Articles

Analyzing the alignment of financial inclusion efforts in rural india with the united nations' sustainable development goals: A focus on agricultural population and below-poverty-line households

This research paper delves into the alignment of financial inclusion efforts in rural India with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on the agricultural population and financially weaker households living below the poverty line. The study assesses the impact of financial inclusion initiatives on improving the socio-economic conditions of these marginalized groups, as well as the extent to which India's efforts contribute to achieving the SDGs. An important initiative, in Financial Inclusion is JAM. JAM (short for Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) trinity refers to the government of India initiative to link Jan Dhan accounts, mobile numbers and Aadhaar cards of Indians to plug the leakages of government subsidies.

AGE AS A FACTOR IN DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract At institutions of higher education, demographic shifts in the population and the growth of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are occurring simultaneously. This study seeks to understand their intersection by focusing on age as a diversity factor in DEI initiatives on college campuses. Six focus groups with a total of 42 DEI staff members were convened, including 36 colleges/universities across the country. Thematic data analysis was conducted by three members of the research team who reached consensus on themes, subthemes, and representative quotes. Focus group participants suggest that age as an identity factor is not given much attention in DEI initiatives. Participants acknowledge the issue of age; but in general, they strive to keep other identities, like race and gender, in the forefront, especially in the face of low resources. These findings can be understood in the context of the current political environment around social justice issues and the pervasive ageism at the society level, especially in age-segregated institutions of higher education. While it may be difficult to elevate age in DEI initiatives on campuses, interventions were identified; and advocacy efforts may move us toward advancing age diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education as well as other organizations.

PREDICTORS OF DIGITAL COMPETENCE AMONG OLDER ADULTS INTERESTED IN AN INTERGENERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Abstract The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging initiated a digiAGE collaborative. As a major part of this initiative, the University of Rhode Island launched the Engaging Generations: Cyber-Seniors digiAGE iPad Program and research project. We analyzed participants who took part in the study in 2021 and 2022 (N=324; age range=50-92; 77.2% female, 22.5% male; 65.1% White, 16.4% Hispanic, 11.4% Black, 4.9% Native American or Alaska Native, 1.2% Asian, 1.9% Multiple races; 83.6% English, 15.4% Spanish as primary language). In this study, we examined demographic characteristics (e.g., income, marital status, employment status, primary language, living alone status, education, gender, race/ethnicity, and Wifi access), and social well-being characteristics (e.g., depression, social isolation, loneliness, quality of life) as predictors of digital competence using structural equation modeling. Overall, this model showed excellent fit (𝜒2(53, N=324)=104.29, p<.05, with CFI = .96, TLI = .92, RMSEA = .06,CMIN/df = 1.97). The model indicated several direct and indirect effects. For indirect effects, income status predicted depressive symptoms, depressive symptoms predicted quality of life, and quality of life predicted digital competence. For direct effects, having access to a wireless internet connection within the home and education level predicted digital competence (Adj. R Square = 0.112). As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, examining predictors of digital competence among older adults is important to identify whom to target for digital inclusion initiatives and how to provide support appropriately.

The IDEA Center for Public Gardens: programmes empowering positive change

Public gardens as cultural institutions must be spaces that put human connection and a sense of belonging at the centre of the organization if they want to be relevant in an increasingly socially aware society. We have a responsibility to do better and right the harmful and exploitative wrongs of the past that continue to uphold systemic inequities. Public gardens can uplift communities around us and expand the identity of who we are and who we serve, without abandoning or shaming historical legacies.
 
 The IDEA Center for Public Gardens™ (the Center) was launched January 2022 as a partnership between Denver Botanic Gardens and the American Public Gardens Association, with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS MG-249862-OMS-21). Its aim is to empower public gardens to prioritize and champion diversity and inclusion initiatives within our industries and beyond. Living and working from the principles of IDEA can be an incredibly enriching and uplifting experience, and a journey to be celebrated. The Center does this by offering intensive peer-to-peer cohorts to develop practices, fund scholarships and speakers at conferences and symposia, and building alliances and partnerships to create collaborative unity across cultural institutions. A case study is included here describing how Naples Botanical Garden Florida incorporated IDEA principles into its annual theme for a year-round initiative to welcome new audiences and enhance staff inclusion in botanic garden activities. The Center is a call to action and an invitation to help improve the world one change at a time.

Recognizing and addressing environmental microaggressions, know-your-place aggression, peer mediocrity, and code-switching in STEMM.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are critical for fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). This article focuses on four key topics that have impacted many Black individuals in STEMM: know-your-place aggression, environmental microaggressions, peer mediocrity, and code-switching. We provide a comprehensive background on these issues, discuss current statistics, and provide references that support their existence, as well as offer solutions to recognize and address these problems in the STEMM which can be expanded to all historically underrepresented individuals.

Enhancing Socio-Economic Empowerment through Financial Inclusion Initiatives: A Case Study of Rwanda Union of the Blind

The research defines financial inclusion as the process of making sure vulnerable groups, like low-income individuals and the less privileged, have access to financial services and reasonable credit when they need it, at an affordable cost. This study focused on enhancing financial inclusion and socio-economic empowerment among individuals with disabilities in the Rwanda Union of the Blind. Using a descriptive and correlation research design, the researcher employed two primary data collection methods: questionnaires and interviews with structured questions for the respondents. The study involved 2400 members of the Rwanda Union of the Blind, with a sample size of 96 visually impaired individuals selected using the Yamane formula. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used for data analysis, with Pearson’s correlation coefficient used to establish relationships between variables. The study's findings highlighted a 43% positive impact of financial inclusion on the socio-economic empowerment of people with visual impairment. Some respondents, particularly those who accessed loans from banks, acknowledged that financial services enabled them to excel in economic activities. Nevertheless, most respondents faced challenges due to discrimination and the absence of collateral, especially among disabled youth, hindering their access to finance. To achieve full financial inclusion, the study recommended that Microfinance Institutions or Banks should ensure equal opportunities and access to credit and financial services for individuals with disabilities. This can be achieved by providing information in formats accessible to them and making service points physically accessible. The government should promote awareness and involvement of visually impaired individuals in incomegenerating activities. Additionally, it was suggested that people with visual impairment should be encouraged to confidently apply for financial services. Keywords: Financial inclusion, Visual impairment, Socioeconomic empowerment, Financial services, People with disabilities.

Synergizing organizational inclusion and IT competencies through resource orchestration: a longitudinal exploration

PurposeThis study investigates the integration of information technology (IT) competencies with organizational inclusion initiatives and its impact on firm performance. It examines the role of organizational inclusion in promoting knowledge management capability (KMC) and the moderating effect of approach and avoidance motivation on the relationship between KMC and operational performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study is grounded in the resource orchestration theory (ROT), which conceptualizes the integration of IT competencies and organizational inclusion. It employs hierarchical regression analysis on data collected from 204 firms and 374 managerial respondents to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that IT competencies enhance the relationship between organizational inclusion and KMC. Additionally, the relationship between KMC and operational performance is weaker when employees exhibit higher levels of avoidance motivation.Practical implicationsThis study offers theoretical and managerial insights for integrating IT competencies into organizational inclusion initiatives, providing guidance for organizations seeking to enhance their performance, with a specific focus on the relevance of China as the research context.Originality/valueThis study enriches the scholarly discourse by examining the underexplored integration of IT competencies with organizational inclusion, notably in the context of China. It illuminates the moderating role of motivation in the KMC-operational performance relationship, benefiting both academia and practitioners. Furthermore, this work extends the literature by demonstrating how combining organizational inclusion and IT competencies can enhance workplace KMC, connecting it to internal knowledge resources. Theoretical implications extend beyond organizational inclusion and IT to show the broader application potential of ROT in management and information systems.

The Changing Faces of Leadership in Surgery: Study on Presidents of Major Surgical Organizations

IntroductionTo gain an understanding of the changing faces of leadership in surgery, we examined trends in the demographics, additional degrees pursued, and scientific publication characteristics of the past presidents of three major surgery organizations. MethodsWe queried the BoardCertifiedDocs and Web of Science databases for the demographics, as well as the quantity and quality of publications, of the past presidents of the Association for Academic Surgery, Society of University Surgeons, and American College of Surgeons from 1970 to 2020. Data were analyzed by decade to identify any trends. ResultsWe identified a total of 140 presidents from the organizations. The proportion of female presidents significantly increased from the 1990s to the 2010s (10% versus 33%, P < 0.05). The percentage of non-White presidents increased from the 1970s to the 2010s (3.33% versus 21.2%, P = 0.024). The percentage of presidents with additional degrees also increased from the 1970s to the 2010s (10.0% versus 48.8%, P = 0.039). During this same time period, the most common area of expertise of presidents shifted from cardiothoracic surgery to surgical oncology. The ratio of presidents’ postinduction to preinduction publications was significantly increased among all three organizations in the 2010s compared to the 1970s (P < 0.05). Co-cluster analysis revealed a research topic change from the 1970s to the 2010s. ConclusionsThe faces of surgical leadership have changed in terms of gender equality, racial diversity, surgical subspecialty, and additional degrees held. Such a transformation mirrors evolving diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and it further highlights the adaptability of surgical leadership to the ever-changing landscape of surgery.

Bibliometric Analysis on Mobile based Financial Technology and Financial Inclusion

Purpose-The purpose of this study is to review the extant literature on mobile based financial technology and Financial Inclusion (FI) and their interrelationship in management domain. In this study, researchers sought to guide policymakers to advance financial inclusion initiatives. The study explains the research themes and findings in this emerging field. Further, it identifies the limitations and provides directions for further research.&#x0D; Design/Methodology/Approach-The analysis was conducted from Scopus and Web of Science database for the period 2010-2023.The author retrieved research articles on Fintech and Financial Inclusion and presented the data using VOS viewer software. At the same time, the study describes the bibliometric analysis as citation analysis, co-citation analysis, mapping of co-cited journals, co-cited authors and co-occurance of all keywords and others.&#x0D; Findings-This study reveals the overall nature and direction of future research in the area of mobilebased financial technology and financial inclusion. There are two major themes that emerge out through extant literature as use of mobile phones in context of mobile based technology and Financial Inclusion, summarizing of theories/construct used in previous literature. Mobile-based technology is becoming more important in the recent era. Mobile-based banking is naturally non face to face. It is not restricted only to physical attendance to banks, but the consumers can make a payment from anywhere as he wants. However, there is some gap on which future studies can focus in.&#x0D; Practical Implications-The paper explains lessons that could be proven as an important tool for FinTech users, entrepreneurs and bankers and for policy makers and researchers to work upon the issues like barriers or factors affecting in usage of financial services. This paper also helps to practitioners in understanding deeply the role of mobile technology and financial inclusion.&#x0D; Originality/Value-The mobile technology and FI study is unique, particularly in the context of emerging economies.

Underrepresented Minority Recruitment: Manpower as Motivator in Late Twentieth-Century Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy.

This article offers a historical perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in health professions. Historians have highlighted how workforce shortages have facilitated increased gender diversity in male-dominated scientific and clinical occupations. Less attention has been given to manpower as a motivator for enhancing racial/ethnic diversity. I explore the history of minority recruitment, retention, and inclusion initiatives in occupational therapy and physical therapy after 1970 and examine the evolving ways in which the longstanding underrepresentation of racial/ethnic minority health professions students and practitioners was recognized, mobilized, and instrumentalized in each field. I argue that broad-based manpower concerns, though often compelling initial motivators for action, were insufficient for sustaining successful and long-term minority initiatives, due to constant shifts in job market demand. Instead, this article shows that annual and institutionalized minority-specific awards and fundraisers were the most effective strategies for maintaining minority recruitment initiatives over multiple decades.

Respondents to an American College of Veterinary Surgeons diplomate survey support the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

To objectively measure the current demographic makeup of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and to develop a survey tool to be used as a metric to measure future changes in the ACVS demographic profile. 737 ACVS diplomates. A 14-item electronic survey was sent to 2,199 ACVS diplomates between August 25 and September 9, 2021, via email. Survey items included demographic information as well as perceptions about the ACVS and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Responses were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The survey response rate was 34% (737/2,199). The median age category among respondents was 45 to 54. The median years in practice as a diplomate was 11 to 15. The majority of respondents identified as white/Caucasian and heterosexual, with male and female respondents being similarly represented. Most respondents identified English as their first language. Few considered themselves first-generation college graduates or identified as disabled. Many respondents considered DEI to be an important initiative to promote in the ACVS. Findings suggested that the majority of ACVS respondents are supportive of DEI efforts. This study also serves as an objective analysis that can be reassessed in the future to determine the success of such initiatives.

Examining the Financial Inclusion Index to Determine the Financial Inclusion Status in India

Globally, the issue of financial inclusion is crucial, especially in poorer nations where access to financial services is frequently constrained. To increase financial inclusion in India, the government has put some laws and programmes in place, but it is crucial to evaluate their success and pinpoint areas for development. This study focuses on the financial inclusion initiatives and policies that have been put into place in India. The research evaluates the homogeneity/contrast of government actions and the interaction of the banking sector with society. A descriptive analysis method and secondary data from RBI reports and Fi indicators of World Bank were used. The results of this study imply that the government's programme has made some progress towards boosting access to financial services, particularly in rural areas. This study outlines areas for emphasising increased financial inclusion in India. Future actions could include improving underprivileged demographics' access to financial services.

Linking Distributed Leadership with Differentiated Instruction in Inclusive Schools: The Mediating Roles of Teacher Leadership and Professional Competence.

Despite the clear worldwide school inclusion initiative, translating the widely embraced notions of inclusive education into differentiated teaching practice has been recognized as a common difficulty. Based on replies from 780 educators in inclusive schools in Beijing, China, this study explored how distributed leadership contributes to teachers' use of differentiated teaching, the mediation role of teacher leadership for inclusion, and teachers' professional competencies of inclusive education. The results suggest that principals' distributed leadership directly influences teachers' employment of differentiated instruction. Teacher leadership for inclusion and professional competencies of inclusive education play a serial mediating role in the relationship between distributed principalship and teachers' use of differentiated instruction. Implications for implementing inclusive practices were further discussed.

Challenges and Opportunities of Women and Youths Financial Inclusion in the Context of AfCFTA. Case Study of Sub-Saharan Africa.

The agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was launched in 2018. A commendable level of commitment has been demonstrated by member states since signing the agreement. Women and youths occupy a critical place in the political economy of Africa, and the success of many continental initiatives such as the AfCFTA agreement is expected to be dependent on the extent to which the youths are mainstreamed in the financial-economic inclusion initiatives. This is largely because Africa is a youthful continent, with women and youth constituting over 60% and 50% respectively of the continent’s population. The current level of inclusion of women and youths in existing AfCFTA programmes does not reflect the expected contribution of this class of population. The main implication of these population classes is the potential job creation challenges on the continent, especially as the labour force is projected to reach about one billion by 2030. This paper, therefore, examined the challenges, opportunities and how women and youth involvement in the process could lead to their financial-economic inclusion and independence in Africa with a focus on the Sub-Saharan region leveraging on the AfCFTA programmes. The study is descriptive in nature. Available secondary data from reports issued by AU, AfCFTA and World Bank was extensively used for the study. A simple percentage method was used for analysing the secondary data in order to show the trend and status of financial inclusion. The findings of the study reflect on ways to improve regional and continental integration frameworks from youth and gender perspectives.

Enhancing demographic diversity of scientist-community collaborations improves wildlife monitoring in Madagascar

Community-based monitoring (CBM)– programs that integrate community members and their values into biodiversity and/or natural resource monitoring– is an effective tool for conservation. Wide inequities exist in CBM collaboration, and monitoring abilities may vary between collaborators of different backgrounds. Therefore exploring the demographic composition of CBM collaborators, and how demographics shape individual monitoring efficacy, can help improve both diversity in CBM representation and program outcomes. Yet, few studies have focused on CBM collaborator demographics, especially in low-income countries. We implemented a CBM project co-designed by protected area managers and local community members in the geographically, biologically, and culturally diverse Southern Madagascar. The project involved 27 scientists and 83 community members who collectively generated 69,429 observations of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles across two years (2917 surveys). Using linear regressions and mixed-effects models, we examined how collaborators' demographics (gender, age, and level of formal education) and their prior amount of biological monitoring experience impacted their efficacy, measured as the number of observed species. For both scientists and community members, monitoring teams with women, despite being underrepresented, on average observed more species than male-only teams. Among community members, age and level of formal education had smaller positive effects on efficacy. Our results suggest that CBM projects should actively engage a broad array of community members, including those with marginalized identities, to provide diverse perspectives. Inclusive initiatives offer both tangible (lower project costs) and intangible (community engagement, education, and enhanced collaboration) benefits for local communities and conservation managers alike.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Curriculum Embedded in a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are continuing to have increased importance in medical training, including rehabilitation medicine. Although resident-led curricula have been integrated into medical education in other training programs, to our knowledge, this the first report focusing on integrating these topics into resident education for a physical medicine and rehabilitation program. We created a didactic curriculum for our rehabilitation residents that included: quarterly lectures on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics followed by small group discussions. Each session also included an article that was included in the discussion. The sessions used both anonymous presurvey and postsurvey data to assess the efficacy of our initiative. Our initial data showed that our quarterly sessions created a safe and comfortable environment for discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. In addition, our session specific data supported that increased awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion disparities with rehabilitation and medicine was achieved. Our committee used the data and feedback to create further iterations of this initiative within our program, and we believe that this is a model that can be adopted by other physical medicine and rehabilitation residencies.

Supporting international students with disabilities

Dr. Loren O’Connor, the Director of Kolpin &amp; O’Connor Global Consultants, an international firm specializing in helping universities create accessible education offices and advancing key equity and inclusion initiatives, discusses how postsecondary institutions can support international students with disabilities. You can contact Dr. O’Connor at dr.oconnor.global@gmail.com.

Gender Inequality and Financial Inclusion in South Africa: Lessons from India

This article examines the intersection of gender inequality and financial inclusion in South Africa, focusing on drawing lessons from India’s experience. Despite progress in financial inclusion initiatives in South Africa, women face systemic barriers to accessing financial services, including discriminatory policies and cultural attitudes. Through a comparative analysis of India’s efforts to promote financial inclusion and gender equality, this article identifies key strategies South Africa can adopt to address gender-based disparities in financial access. These strategies include promoting financial literacy among women, expanding access to formal financial institutions, and implementing policies that address the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face. By applying lessons from India, South Africa can take meaningful steps towards building a more inclusive financial system that empowers women and promotes gender equality.

Impact of fintech usages on financial inclusion initiatives: perspective from Urban slum dwellers of Uttarakhand

ABSTRACT This study explores awareness levels, the factors influencing awareness, and the impact of actual usages of fintech services on the acceleration of financial inclusion initiatives among the urban poor of the disadvantaged geographic segment of society. Data have been gathered from a sample of 100 individuals residing in urban slums in Uttarakhand, and analysis has been conducted utilizing the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The study finds that there is a moderate-to-low level of awareness except awareness of digital methods of payments, which is very high. Income and education are the prominent factors affecting awareness. Lastly, fintech is an effective lever that significantly accelerates the financial inclusion initiatives among urban slum dwellers.

How to prevent and minimize DEI backfire

Implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is an ongoing process that poses benefits and potential risks. One of the major challenges organizations face in implementing DEI initiatives is backfire, which occurs when well-intended initiatives result in unintended negative outcomes (e.g., discrimination against and decreased performance of members of underrepresented groups). Many leaders need an understanding of how and why DEI practices may backfire. As such, we provide five evidence-based recommendations to help organizations successfully implement DEI practices while preventing and minimizing backfire. We recommend they (1) broaden engagement in targeted recruitment, (2) adopt a context-conscious perspective on diversity training, (3) create DEI accountability structures, (4) align DEI with communication and culture, and (5) use a multilevel approach to monitor and evaluate DEI practices.