Applying Qualitative Methods

As conducting cultural assessments has become a critical aspect of organizations’ diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies, understanding organizational culture is increasingly an important component of DEI work. In this environment, competing understandings of what culture is and how it operates, both within and outside of the organization, can critically impact the success of DEI efforts. In this spirit, Willing Observers has designed the following workshop to help Anthropologists and other social scientists who have been trained in qualitative methods, generally, or ethnographic methods, specifically to apply what they have learned in the service of DEI work.

During this session, students and potential jobseekers will be provided with illustrative case studies and led through hands-on activities that seek to hone their ability to apply ethnographic theory and methods to cultural assessment and DEI work in organizations. Specifically, small group exercises are designed to teach attendees how to articulate the differences between diversity, equity, and inclusion in-practice, to ethnographically assess organizational values, and to apply a DEI lens to the remaking and institutionalization of these newly created values within an organization. Attendees will leave the workshop with a better understanding of how ethnographic research can contribute to the development of impactful DEI strategies and outcomes.