‘What’s in it for us?’ How Inclusive Behavior Benefits Interpersonal Communication at Work

Abstract

This article examines how inclusive behavior affects communication on an interpersonal level while presenting a perspective on how these effects are created and obtained. We present our findings through a multiple case study design of the positive communication benefits attributed to inclusive behaviors while generating a better understanding of how and when these benefits occur. This contribution could help organizations identify the value of practicing inclusion and guide them toward acquiring the benefits of inclusive behavior. The article also suggests that informal learning plays a substantial role in reaping interpersonal benefits due to the practice of inclusive behavior in work-related settings.