Cultivating a D&I Climate in the Workplace and Mitigating Microaggression Against Asian Employees: The Role of Strategic D&I Leadership and Motivating Language

The study addresses the D&I (diversity and inclusion) climate and microaggression challenges in workplaces from the perspective of Asian employees in the United States. Building on strategic leadership literature and motivating language theory, the research posits that strategic D&I leadership and leaders' motivational language can positively impact the D&I-related perceptions of Asian employees at work. A nationwide survey of Asian employees was conducted. The findings indicated that strategic D&I leadership both directly and indirectly promotes a positive D&I environment, diminishes microaggressions against minority employees, and strengthens organizational trust. Leaders' motivating language further aids in supporting D&I and diminishing microaggressions. The study's implications and limitations are further discussed.