Intercultural Perspectives on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies
This seminar provides an intercultural analysis of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as they are developed and implemented in English-speaking environments and international organizations through institutional policies.
These concepts are rooted in specific historical, legal, and cultural contexts that differ significantly from the French framework—particularly in how equality, discrimination, merit, and identity are understood.
These differences can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or tensions in international professional settings, especially in recruitment processes, managerial decision-making, and intercultural collaboration.
By offering historical, cultural, and conceptual insights, this seminar enables participants to better understand the underlying logic and objectives of these policies, as well as the contrasting perceptions they may generate across cultural frameworks.
The program also provides practical tools and case studies to help participants adapt their management practices, HR decisions, and communication strategies in intercultural environments.
The goal is to strengthen participants’ analytical skills, help secure professional practices, and facilitate effective collaboration in international contexts.
Aim
To understand the cultural foundations of DEI policies in order to act more effectively in international professional environments.
Duration
3 hours 30 minutes (a half-day seminar delivered online).
Group
1 – 8 participants
Prerequisites
None
Course Language
English or French
Certificate
Certificate of participation
Participant Profile
This program is designed for managers, human resources professionals, diversity and inclusion officers, educators, staff of international organizations, and anyone working in an intercultural professional environment.
Benefits
At the end of the seminar, participants will be able to:
• Understand the historical and cultural foundations of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in English-speaking countries and international organizations
• Identify the main differences between French and Anglo-American approaches to equality, discrimination, merit, and diversity
• Anticipate sensitive situations, misunderstandings, and tensions related to differing cultural frameworks
• Adapt their management practices and HR decisions in international professional contexts
• Improve communication and effectiveness in intercultural environments
Content
By providing historical, cultural, and conceptual reference points, this seminar helps participants better understand the rationale and objectives behind DEI policies, as well as the contrasting perceptions they may generate depending on cultural frameworks. It also introduces practical tools and case studies to help adapt management practices, HR decisions, and communication strategies in intercultural environments. The goal is to strengthen participants’ analytical skills, secure their professional practices, and facilitate collaboration in international contexts.
• Understanding the historical roots of DEI
Diversity, equity, and inclusion policies originate in U.S. social and political history, particularly in the Civil Rights Movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. and in the reforms adopted under Lyndon B. Johnson. This section explores the context in which these policies first emerged.
• From legal equality to organizational strategy
How DEI policies gradually became integrated into the practices of corporations, universities, and international organizations.
• Understanding cultural differences between France and the Anglo-American world
Why concepts such as equality, equity, diversity, and identity are interpreted differently depending on cultural contexts.
• Implications for international organizations
The impact of DEI policies on management, human resources, internal communication, and decision-making in multicultural teams.
• Case studies and practical tools
Analysis of real professional situations to identify sources of intercultural misunderstanding and develop appropriate practices.
Trainer
Very good trainer, very American: he goes straight to the point, but he’s always ready to listen to the participants, which I’m sure is his “French” side! He used interesting slides that I’ll be able to draw on in the future. No negative comments, it was very interesting! The trainer was good, and as I just found out, an American would have said “Amazing”! I’m going to encourage my colleagues and my team to take this “Working with Americans” course. June 2025
What I appreciated most about this course: the exchanges, the 360° vision of interculturality, the different elements of culture, the examples, the trainer and asking questions before meeting people from other cultures. This training perfectly met my expectations. Training course “Developing intercultural competence”, June 2025.
This training opened my eyes to what I had not perceived. I now have a better understanding of how my American colleagues perceive us and what their expectations and needs are. The training was practical. I came away with tools and ideas. There is nothing complicated; you just have to know it 😊. Today, I communicate differently with my American colleagues which facilitates my exchanges and allows me to gain in efficiency.
This program was essential for me and my colleagues to develop an understanding and appreciation of the French way of work…
Good balance between theoretical input and the experience of the trainer. This course has helped us to distinguish differences in personal behavior and other types of behavior conditioned by American culture.
