Choose inclusivity in business, not diversity

“I have a dream that my children will one day live where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” – Martin Luther King.

I remember when my parents were arrested. I was about six and we were frolicking in a playground on our first day in South Africa. As we were dragged off the swings, I recall my mother in the background saying, “but nobody told us!” We had strayed into a “blacks-only” playground. A bush conveniently obscured the sign.

I have experienced both sides of discrimination in a varied global business career; the unlevel playing field of positive prejudice, and the bitter taste of racism – working without prospect of promotion or bonus. I had two choices: accept it or move.

Diversity is a welcome part of the rich tapestry of human existence and an important part of the talent mix within any organisation. Diversity especially springs from the rainbow colourfulness of Hong Kong. But emphasising diversity alone is damaging, divisive, and detrimental. Anti-discrimination laws have made it easier to right a wrong, but have also been misused, spitefully and frivolously. We should not seek diversity in business – but rather seek inclusivity, an acceptance of all by each other.

It is right that our leaders should not be limited to the male, pale and stale. It is right that women, gay people, the disabled, different races and religions and the elderly have a place, if merited, at the very top of our organisations. Many battles for inclusivity have already been won but there is still a lot of discrimination out there – especially in areas where the victims are too weak to fight.

The fact that Hong Kong won the Gay Games 2022 against tough opposition should be celebrated – yet this celebration of diversity became divisive. It may come as a shock to some but, nice as winning the Games is, it is not an Earth-shattering event. Yet members of the government from Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor downwards were castigated for not instantly lauding an event some four years away that by definition excludes most of Hong Kong’s people. In the criticism, it was wildly suggested that they were letting their personal Christian faith stand in the way.

I emphasise with the unnecessary torment that committed gay people have endured over the years. I count at least eight same-sex couples as my friends, all of whom I like very much. Nearly half of those couples are dedicated Christian believers. Yet this was a cheap and ignorant accusation and unworthy of the intelligent articulation that gay rights supporters usually bring to the debate.