The False Dichotomy of Merit and Inclusion

In merit-based systems, fairness should be manifested in all aspects of organizational life. But while the ideal of a merit-based society is attractive, research shows that bias in promotions and reward distribution is just as prevalent as bias in hiring, exacerbating and multiplying rather than reducing unfairness in the span of our careers. In the world we live in, true meritocracy, where everyone plays on an even field, requires the removal of many unfair barriers. It requires inclusion. By removing systemic barriers, organizations can create environments where inclusion enhances meritocracy and merit mechanisms enhance inclusion, ensuring that talent and effort genuinely determine success.