1st Edition
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Strategic Communications Becoming Culturally Proficient Communicators
Taking a DEI-first approach, this book teaches students to become culturally proficient communicators by approaching diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with intentionality in every aspect of strategic communications.
Those who work in strategic communications play a powerful role in shaping public perceptions and thus have a crucial responsibility to understand and practice the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work. This book introduces students to DEI theories and concepts and guides them through applying these concepts to communications research, planning, and execution. Chapters in the book align with the courses and competencies most often taught in advertising and public relations programs. It also includes chapters on “Inclusive Leadership” and “Working on Diverse Teams,” as students will need these competencies when working on group class projects and in preparing for internships. The concluding chapter on “Communicating for Social Change” allows students to look beyond advertising and PR as corporate-centered disciplines and expand their understanding of the power of communications to advocate for social justice and change.
Ideal for students at the undergraduate level with relevance to graduate students as well, the book can be used as a stand-alone text in DEI communications courses, as a supplement to core advertising or public relations texts, or in modules in advanced communications courses.
Online materials for Instructors include teaching tips, suggested discussions and activities, student assignments, sample quizzes, and video links. They are available at www.routledge.com/9781032533865.
List of Contributors
Preface
Introduction
1. DEI Definitions, Theories, and Concepts
2. Understanding and Reaching Diverse Audiences
3. Centering DEI in Strategic Writing
Vanessa Bravo
4. Visual Storytelling: Reframing Diversity and Inclusion
Michele Lashley
5. Inclusive Digital and Social Media Strategies
Qian Xu
6. Designing Culturally Sensitive Research
7. Integrating DEI into the Campaign Planning Process
8. Working on Diverse Teams
9. Inclusive Leadership
10. Reputation Management and DEI
11. Communicating for Social Change
Glossary
Index
Biography
Lee Bush is a professor of Strategic Communications at Elon University, USA.
Karen Lindsey is an assistant professor of Strategic Communications at Elon University, USA.
“This book is a much-needed DEI resource for strategic communication educators, students, and professionals. It’s more than an introductory text, going beyond explanations by demonstrating how concepts can be applied to professional practice during the research, planning, and execution phases of the communication process.”
Jennie Donohue, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
