CDR Workplace Culture & Belonging Flashcards

What is psychological safety in the context of an inclusive workplace?

Answer: The belief that one can speak up, take risks, or make mistakes without fear of punishment

Psychological safety, as defined by researcher Amy Edmondson, is the shared belief that the workplace is safe for interpersonal risk-taking, including speaking up without fear of negative consequences.

What is the primary purpose of an Employee Resource Group (ERG)?

Answer: To provide a voluntary, employee-led community for individuals with shared identities or experiences

ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by providing a community for people with shared characteristics, experiences, or allies.

Which concept describes the cumulative effect of daily, subtle, often unintentional slights that communicate hostile or negative messages to members of marginalized groups?

Answer: Microaggressions

Microaggressions are brief, everyday exchanges — verbal, behavioral, or environmental — that send denigrating messages to members of marginalized groups, often without the communicator being aware.

What distinguishes 'belonging' from 'inclusion' in a DEI framework?

Answer: Inclusion is about being present in the workplace; belonging is about feeling valued and accepted as one's authentic self

Inclusion means employees are invited to participate and their voices are heard, while belonging means employees feel psychologically safe, valued, and able to bring their authentic selves to work.

What is 'covering' in the context of workplace identity?

Answer: Downplaying a stigmatized identity to fit into mainstream workplace culture

Covering, as described by sociologist Erving Goffman and later Kenji Yoshino, refers to the way employees downplay or conceal stigmatized identities — such as disability, religion, or sexual orientation — to assimilate into workplace culture.

What does it mean to create a 'speak-up culture' in the workplace?

Answer: Fostering an environment where employees feel safe raising concerns, ideas, and disagreements without fear of retaliation

A speak-up culture encourages employees to voice concerns, report misconduct, and share diverse perspectives, supported by psychological safety and non-retaliation policies.