Journal of Social Equity and Public Administration

Antecedents of an Inclusive Leader in Public Organizations: A Macro and Micro Perspective

Namrta Sharma

The University of Texas at Dallas

Meghna Sabharwal

The University of Texas at Dallas

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1294-559X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jsepa.v3i1.5865

Keywords: Inclusion, Inclusive Leader, Diversity, and Inclusion, Antecedents of Inclusive Leader

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Abstract

As public administration struggles to further the goal of social equity, part of the problem is leaders
who do not know what characteristics can help them act more inclusively. The role of a leader to establish and promote social equity cannot be overemphasized. Leaders can inadvertently play saboteur. As humans, leaders suffer from cognitive limitations that translate into alienating behaviors toward groups of employees, citizens, and other stakeholders. With complex internal battles to fight, what are the antecedents that motivate a leader to emerge as an inclusive leader? This article aims to create a comprehensive conceptual framework for an inclusive leader. We examine these precursors in a broader context of community and society relevant to public administration with the aim to inform research, practice, and teaching in the field.

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Author Biographies

Namrta Sharma, The University of Texas at Dallas

Namrta Sharma (she/her) (Namrta.sharma@utdallas.edu) is a doctoral student in Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Dallas, with research interests focusing on social equity, inclusion, and leadership. She has over two decades of experience in various leadership roles in the Department of Agriculture, Government of India, particularly in the field of human resources.

Meghna Sabharwal, The University of Texas at Dallas

Meghna Sabharwal (she/her) (Meghna.sabharwal@utdallas.edu) is a professor at the University of Texas at Dallas. A NAPA fellow, her research focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has published five books and over 75 journal articles and chapters and has won six best paper awards. She is the editor-in-chief of the Review of Public Personnel Administration.

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