Paper Title
SHIFTS IN DIVERSITY & INCLUSION MATURITY IN AUSTRALIA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CHANGES IN WORKPLACE PRACTICES AND PERCEPTIONS

Abstract
Abstract - Little is known about the progress and subsequent maturity of diversity and inclusion (D&I) practice in Australian organisations beyond annual reporting of workforce profile data tracking women’s advancement in senior roles and gender pay gap. This research critically examines D&I practices and perceptions against eleven dimensions within a three stage D&I maturity model, comparing 2023 progress against a similar study in 2016 to identify changes. Perceptions on current D&I practices were gathered using on-line surveys completed by employees of wide-ranging organisation type and size. Analysis shows significant slippage in practice and D&I maturity. Findings reveal Stage 3 advanced maturity declined from 24% of organisations sampled in 2016 to 10% in 2023. Dimension level changes show pivotal areas of decline: the strategic appetite of executive leaders to prioritise D&I, and leaders visibly championing D&I. Changes mean Stage 3 maturity will remain elusive without system-wide change to workplace culture requiring progressive leader mindsets and high ownership of D&I. Findings have implications for practitioners in engaging and sustaining leader interest to advance D&I maturity, ensuring all talent can thrive, bring their best and support organisational excellence. Keywords - Australia, diversity and inclusion, D&I maturity, strategic leadership