Fixing Fairness
Fixing Fairness
4 Tenets to Transform Diversity Backlash into Progress for All
Edition: 1
Pages: 176
Publication Date: 13 January, 2026
Available in all formats
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ISBN:
9798890571434
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ISBN:
9798890571427
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The next evolution of DEI is here. Discover how to shape a workplace that puts everyone ahead through the groundbreaking FAIR framework.
Over 80 percent of Americans agree that the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are important in workplaces and society. Yet, research shows that a mere 20 percent feel they've directly benefited from workplace DEI programs. As traditional DEI efforts in the workplace face disengagement, backlash, and stagnation, it's time to reimagine this work.
Drawing on historical case studies, deep research, and a decade of the author's consulting experience with organizations of all sizes, this book reveals the four tenets that will shape the next evolution of workplace DEI:
• Outcomes over Intentions: Don't chase trends. Do what it takes to measurably achieve greater fairness, access, inclusion, and representation for all.
• Systems over Self-Help: Don't fixate on individual biases. Solve the root causes of discrimination by shaping workplace norms, culture, processes, and practices.
• Coalitions over Cliques: Don't just preach to the choir. Build bridges and movements that engage everyone as part of the solution.
• Win-Win over Zero-Sum: Don't give in to “us versus them.” Create and relentlessly communicate a vision for a better status quo for everyone.
The FAIR framework offers an alternative to both the performative practices of traditional DEI programs and the false promises of anti-DEI antagonists. With clarity, urgency, and no-nonsense practicality, Fixing Fairness charts a new path forward for those committed to creating better outcomes for all.
Over 80 percent of Americans agree that the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are important in workplaces and society. Yet, research shows that a mere 20 percent feel they've directly benefited from workplace DEI programs. As traditional DEI efforts in the workplace face disengagement, backlash, and stagnation, it's time to reimagine this work.
Drawing on historical case studies, deep research, and a decade of the author's consulting experience with organizations of all sizes, this book reveals the four tenets that will shape the next evolution of workplace DEI:
• Outcomes over Intentions: Don't chase trends. Do what it takes to measurably achieve greater fairness, access, inclusion, and representation for all.
• Systems over Self-Help: Don't fixate on individual biases. Solve the root causes of discrimination by shaping workplace norms, culture, processes, and practices.
• Coalitions over Cliques: Don't just preach to the choir. Build bridges and movements that engage everyone as part of the solution.
• Win-Win over Zero-Sum: Don't give in to “us versus them.” Create and relentlessly communicate a vision for a better status quo for everyone.
The FAIR framework offers an alternative to both the performative practices of traditional DEI programs and the false promises of anti-DEI antagonists. With clarity, urgency, and no-nonsense practicality, Fixing Fairness charts a new path forward for those committed to creating better outcomes for all.
Description
The next evolution of DEI is here. Discover how to shape a workplace that puts everyone ahead through the groundbreaking FAIR framework.
Over 80 percent of Americans agree that the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are important in workplaces and society. Yet, research shows that a mere 20 percent feel they've directly benefited from workplace DEI programs. As traditional DEI efforts in the workplace face disengagement, backlash, and stagnation, it's time to reimagine this work.
Drawing on historical case studies, deep research, and a decade of the author's consulting experience with organizations of all sizes, this book reveals the four tenets that will shape the next evolution of workplace DEI:
• Outcomes over Intentions: Don't chase trends. Do what it takes to measurably achieve greater fairness, access, inclusion, and representation for all.
• Systems over Self-Help: Don't fixate on individual biases. Solve the root causes of discrimination by shaping workplace norms, culture, processes, and practices.
• Coalitions over Cliques: Don't just preach to the choir. Build bridges and movements that engage everyone as part of the solution.
• Win-Win over Zero-Sum: Don't give in to “us versus them.” Create and relentlessly communicate a vision for a better status quo for everyone.
The FAIR framework offers an alternative to both the performative practices of traditional DEI programs and the false promises of anti-DEI antagonists. With clarity, urgency, and no-nonsense practicality, Fixing Fairness charts a new path forward for those committed to creating better outcomes for all.
Over 80 percent of Americans agree that the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are important in workplaces and society. Yet, research shows that a mere 20 percent feel they've directly benefited from workplace DEI programs. As traditional DEI efforts in the workplace face disengagement, backlash, and stagnation, it's time to reimagine this work.
Drawing on historical case studies, deep research, and a decade of the author's consulting experience with organizations of all sizes, this book reveals the four tenets that will shape the next evolution of workplace DEI:
• Outcomes over Intentions: Don't chase trends. Do what it takes to measurably achieve greater fairness, access, inclusion, and representation for all.
• Systems over Self-Help: Don't fixate on individual biases. Solve the root causes of discrimination by shaping workplace norms, culture, processes, and practices.
• Coalitions over Cliques: Don't just preach to the choir. Build bridges and movements that engage everyone as part of the solution.
• Win-Win over Zero-Sum: Don't give in to “us versus them.” Create and relentlessly communicate a vision for a better status quo for everyone.
The FAIR framework offers an alternative to both the performative practices of traditional DEI programs and the false promises of anti-DEI antagonists. With clarity, urgency, and no-nonsense practicality, Fixing Fairness charts a new path forward for those committed to creating better outcomes for all.
Table of contents
- Cover
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Catching Cobras
- 2. Transforming the Backlash
- 3. Fairness Is Environmental
- 4. Access Is Good Design sans Duct Tape
- 5. Inclusion Is Solidarity at Scale
- 6. Representation Is Leadership You Trust
- 7. The Future of Fairness
- Notes
- Acknowledgments
- Index
- About the Author
Review quote
“In a time when fear, fatigue, and anti-DEI backlash threaten to erode our shared humanity, this guide offers a clear, actionable path forward for organizations via a framework that's not only accessible to every leader and practitioner, but a call to action we can all embrace as changemakers. Inspiring, challenging, and critical for this moment.”
-Theresita Richard, Chief People & Culture Officer and Global Head of Justice & Belonging, Patagonia
“This book doesn't just point out what's broken in DEI; it shows us how to fix it. Zheng's honest, evidence-based approach is exactly what leaders need today to turn values into impact.”
-Asif Sadiq, Chief Inclusion Officer, Warner Brothers Discovery
“With their trademark no-nonsense, evidence-based approach, Zheng has made the complex art of building better workplaces for everyone practical, and powerful. This work is a beacon in an environment of uncertainty and chaos.”
-Shelley J. Correll, Professor of Sociology and Organizational Behavior, Stanford University, and President, American Sociological Association
“If you are a leader caught in the whipsawing discussion around diversity, equity, and inclusion, you need to read Zheng's powerful and convincing book, to guide you out of polarized, zero-sum thinking. With brilliance and clarity, they guide us through a framework that just might actually create the inclusive workplaces we all need and deserve.”
-Alison Taylor, Clinical Associate Professor, NYU Stern, and former Executive Director, Ethical Systems
-Theresita Richard, Chief People & Culture Officer and Global Head of Justice & Belonging, Patagonia
“This book doesn't just point out what's broken in DEI; it shows us how to fix it. Zheng's honest, evidence-based approach is exactly what leaders need today to turn values into impact.”
-Asif Sadiq, Chief Inclusion Officer, Warner Brothers Discovery
“With their trademark no-nonsense, evidence-based approach, Zheng has made the complex art of building better workplaces for everyone practical, and powerful. This work is a beacon in an environment of uncertainty and chaos.”
-Shelley J. Correll, Professor of Sociology and Organizational Behavior, Stanford University, and President, American Sociological Association
“If you are a leader caught in the whipsawing discussion around diversity, equity, and inclusion, you need to read Zheng's powerful and convincing book, to guide you out of polarized, zero-sum thinking. With brilliance and clarity, they guide us through a framework that just might actually create the inclusive workplaces we all need and deserve.”
-Alison Taylor, Clinical Associate Professor, NYU Stern, and former Executive Director, Ethical Systems
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