Adding the “J” for Justice: How Executive Education Can Center Social Justice in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Training for Corporate Leaders

The purpose of this chapter is to address the role of social justice in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work with executive learners. Business leaders face increasing pressure to take a stance on external issues related to systemic inequities and human rights—two focal areas in Corporate Social Justice (CSJ). However, until only recently, business education did not include core content in these areas. As a result, business leaders seek out Executive Education programs to develop the competencies needed to lead DEI(J) change. Unfortunately, few Executive Education programs in the US train leaders from a social justice perspective. As a result, leaders remain ill-equipped to address social justice within or outside their organizations. In this chapter, we discuss the case for adding social justice to DEI training for executives. We also showcase one DEI certificate program that centers social justice in its design and content. Our goal is to encourage faculty and staff to design Executive Education programs that center social justice in content and competency development. By doing so, we can collectively advance individual, organizational, and societal well-being.