Across industries, the call for diversity, equity, and inclusivity has grown louder in recent years. Nowhere is this truer than in the tech industry. Often hailed as the sector of the future, tech has the unique opportunity, and responsibility, to lead the charge in creating inclusive and equitable work environments.
Inclusivity in tech is not simply a matter of fairness or compliance. It's a proven driver of innovation, creativity, and productivity. However, the presence of non-inclusive individuals in the tech industry poses a significant challenge to realizing these benefits.
Why don't we want non-inclusive people in tech?
At first glance, this question may seem to contravene the very concept of inclusivity. However, when we delve deeper, we uncover the paradox of tolerance - the philosophical concept that if a society is tolerant without limit, its ability to be tolerant will eventually be seized or destroyed by the intolerant. Simply put, to maintain a tolerant society (or industry), it must be intolerant of intolerance.
Non-inclusive attitudes and behaviors in tech contribute to hostile work environments, which in turn, cause talent drain, inhibit innovation, and ultimately, diminish competitiveness. Tech thrives on fresh ideas, unique perspectives, and collaboration - all of which are undermined when people feel marginalized, unheard, or unwelcome.
The value of inclusivity in tech
The tech industry is built on innovation. Each technological advance stems from a desire to solve problems, improve efficiency, or create new opportunities. The fuel for this innovation is diverse perspectives. A diverse workforce brings a myriad of life experiences, ideas, and problem-solving approaches, fostering creativity and innovation in unexpected ways.
Multiple studies have shown that diverse teams outperform non-diverse ones. A McKinsey report found that companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians.
However, diversity and inclusivity go hand in hand. Without an inclusive culture, diversity can breed conflict and division instead of collaboration and innovation. Inclusivity is about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute fully. It's about dismantling barriers to participation and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
The paradox of tolerance
Developed by philosopher Karl Popper, the paradox of tolerance states that if a society is tolerant without limit, it will eventually be taken over by the intolerant, resulting in a loss of tolerance altogether. Therefore, to maintain a tolerant society, it must be intolerant of intolerance.
In the context of the tech industry, this paradox translates to a need for intolerance of non-inclusive attitudes and behaviors. This doesn't mean excluding non-inclusive individuals. Instead, it means creating clear standards of conduct, providing training and education, and holding people accountable when they fail to respect these standards.
However, if non-inclusive individuals refuse to evolve, learn, or respect the values of inclusivity, it may be better for them to exit the tech industry. Not out of spite, but simply because their presence undermines the industry's ability to be a diverse, inclusive, and innovative sector.
Good riddance to non-inclusive individuals in tech
Let's be clear: losing people is never a cause for celebration. Every person who leaves the tech industry represents a loss of potential ideas, insights, and contributions. However, when non-inclusive individuals leave, the net effect can be positive.
Their departure creates space for new talent—diverse individuals who might otherwise have been discouraged or driven away by non-inclusive behaviors. It also sends a clear message to the remaining members of the industry: non-inclusivity will not be tolerated. This can help foster a more inclusive, welcoming, and respectful culture, further boosting diversity and innovation.
The cost of "brilliant jerks"
There's a persistent myth in tech that some individuals are so talented that their contributions outweigh their negative impacts on team culture. These individuals, sometimes referred to as "brilliant jerks," are often tolerated, even revered, despite their non-inclusive attitudes or behaviors.
Research, however, paints a different picture. A Harvard Business School study found that toxic workers, those who engage in harmful behaviors like bullying or harassment, cost companies more than the value they bring. The cost isn't only monetary—these individuals can damage morale, reduce productivity, and cause high employee turnover.
Moreover, studies by Stanford professor Robert Sutton, author of "The No Asshole Rule," suggest that tolerating these toxic individuals can lead to an "asshole contagion," where negative behaviors spread throughout the organization. This not only degrades the work environment but also discourages potential talent from joining the company.
A future of inclusivity
The tech industry is at a crossroads. It can continue to tolerate non-inclusive attitudes and behaviors, with all the associated costs. Or it can take a stand, embracing the paradox of tolerance and creating a culture where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.
This transformation won't happen overnight. It requires ongoing commitment from all industry stakeholders—employees, managers, leaders, investors, and customers. It requires clear policies, effective training, and a willingness to hold people accountable. But most of all, it requires a recognition of the inherent value of every individual, regardless of their identity, background, or perspective.
Inclusivity isn't a burden or a concession. It's a source of strength, a driver of innovation, and a foundation for the future of tech. Those who can't or won't understand this may indeed leave the industry. And when they do, we won't mourn the loss. Instead, we'll celebrate the opportunity to create an industry that truly reflects and respects the diversity of our world. And in that, nothing of value is lost.