Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations Research Network

COVID-19 has uncovered and exacerbated many longstanding social-economics fault lines. The pandemic has disproportionately impacted least developed- and developing countries and there within the disadvantaged groups. Even in developed countries the impact disclosed the economic differences within the social classification of the different societies. The post-Covid effects seem to even further expand the visible made socio-economic disparities. Those serving at the ‘frontline’ of these social fissures were even more impacted. There are unresolved tensions around who is responsible for the initial public health solutions, the initial social aids and the required economic recovery assistance to be followed. And still, there are others entertaining themselves with question which communities should be held more responsible for the spread of the virus?

In the short to immediate term, the everyday effects of the pandemic have been devastating. The loss of economic security, the break-up of social norms, and the mental health implications of isolation and uncertainty. But as we will inevitably bounce back and make a step towards a recovery and at the same time, the re-integration of society, what will be the new normal? How will we reimagine the future of work, community life, and the role of the state, to ensure the care and re-development of the non-hegemonies communities, considering the greatest levels of diversity, equity, and inclusion? There is a risk that that inclusion and diversity may recede as a strategic priority within any recovery program. Some trends, for example workplace automation and remote-working, will create effects that may erode equity, representation, and justice. How do we navigate an economically and socially viable path that focuses on advancing diversity and fostering inclusion? Could this be an opportunity to increase our awareness about diversity, and to expand our capacity for empathy and compassion toward historically marginalized groups in our whole communities? What new pathways can be opened to education, social inclusion, and democratic participation?

Besides the local challenges as set forth by Covid-19, the authorities also have to provide a response to socio- and geopolitical issues. To what extend is any society willing to assist any foreign community with the required resources to combat the pandemic. To what extend is the local authority willing to keep temporary foreigners, being students or not, within their society? And, if yes, to what extend does the provision of assistance differentiate per temporary residents, ethnic groups, and minorities. Till when are residents and other immigrants and from where allowed to reintegrate in the community?

In this framework, the conference will discuss issues from several viewpoints like the following:

• The Social Impact of the pandemic:

• On the different communal groups, based on ethnicity, residency, and income levels etc.
• On the role of the different stakeholders’ groups in policy and implementation of the community wide based response- and follow-up programs;
• On the role of local authorities in immigration policy making and implementation during and after the Covid-19 period;
• Concerning modalities of acceptance and/or refusal of ethnic, cultural, and religious diversities for reintegration in the community and work force;
• Considering mobilizations and activities in favor of – or against – immigrants and asylum seekers at the local level by the civil society in the post-Covid era.

• The Economic Impact of the pandemic:

• On the national gross domestic product and its effect on income distribution;
• The commercial winners and losers per type of businesses classified per ethnic groups;
• On the income level of the various groups in the community and projected perspectives;
• With respect to the development of unemployment and how this differentiate per group;
• On the creation or strengthening of economic and commercial resilience of various states respectively businesses based on their current level of development.

• The Financial Impact of the pandemic:

• On the debt- and budget deficits of countries differentiated per level of development;
• With respect to the level of government service provided during and after the crisis; more in particular to the most needed groups in the community
• Concerning the ability and willingness of the First World and multi-lateral organizations to provide immediate relief- and reconstruction funds;
• On the weaker and dependent countries and communities by surrendering leverage for exchange of receipt of resources and funds to overcome the current situation;
• On the financial stability of countries and in more in particular on their national currency.

• The Educational Impact of the pandemic:

• With respect to non-compliance to the curriculum differentiated per type of educational institutions;
• On the visible made gaps between the pupils and students of the higher- and lower class attending the different educational institutions;
• With respect to the apparent need for a more advance IT infrastructure and resources in this sector;
• On the different communities differentiated per level of penetration on Wi-Fi;
• Considering the level of hygiene and its products provided by the different class of educational institutes;
• By the opportunity created to provide (adult) training by the companies or government categorized for the different communal groups.

• The Impact of the pandemic for the Management:

• Based on what premises will the different governments and authorities manage their institutions, with respect to:
  • Their workforce on the different levels and their place of work;
  • The type of service and the level of distance service provision through electronic means;
  • The new hygiene standards considering the background and norms of different employees;
  • The (new differentiated approach of clients as target groups

• With respect to automatization and third party outsourcing based on cost, and its implications for the size of the (local) workforce;
• With respect to the dependency on the government or other sponsors created to deal with the post-Covid era;
• When seeking higher efficiency and effectiveness in cost reduction to overcome the poor spending capacity epoch of its clientele for its employees coming from minority- and different ethnic groups.