IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) and the Diversity Charter have introduced the Diversity Maturity Model (Diversity-Reifegradmodell), a complimentary tool designed to help organisations evaluate and improve their DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) practices.
Developed by IU professors Sonja Würtemberger and Katharina-Maria Rehfeld, along with Corina Christen and Şeyma Erdi from the Diversity Charter, this model is accessible and user-friendly, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
The model is designed to help companies in Germany assess their current status in terms of DEI and define practical steps toward greater diversity and participation. It is suitable for all types and sizes of organisations: micro and small enterprises, medium-sized companies, and large corporations.
The Diversity Maturity Model is based on a total of 24 qualitative interviews that the two IU researchers conducted with DEI experts from companies after the project launched last summer. The project was supplemented by a comprehensive literature review to scientifically substantiate the interviews and a multi-stage validation of the results by experts from the field. The methodological approach is described in detail in the recently published paper . Starting today, companies can self-assess the maturity of their DEI efforts in a free, open-access assessment.
The tool, created with the assistance of the startup D² - Denkfabrik Diversität, is now available for use.
The Diversity Charter is the largest employer initiative promoting diversity in companies and institutions in Germany. It advocates for a respectful and prejudice-free working environment in which all employees – regardless of age, ethnic origin and nationality, gender and gender identity, physical and mental abilities, religion and ideology, sexual orientation, and social background – can develop their potential. IU is a proud signatory of the Diversity Charter. Learn more at: https://www.charta-der-vielfalt.de/
