Der Diversity Management Radar für Deutschland: Von Haltung zu Handlung

This discussion paper presents the "Diversity Management Radar" (DMR), a novel maturity model developed to assess and guide the implementation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in German organizations. While many companies in Germany endorse diversity through initiatives, practical approaches to DEI often lack clarity, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Existing international maturity models are rarely tailored to the legal, cultural, and organizational context of German firms. This research project-funded by IU Internationale Hochschule and conducted in collaboration with Charta der Vielfalt e.V.-adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining a review of existing DEI maturity models with 24 expert interviews from executives and HR/Diversity professionals across SMEs, mediumsized firms, and large corporations. The resulting model comprises three DEI maturity levels (Foundation, Management, Excellence), three company sizes, and nine action categories along the employee lifecycle. The DMR provides a practical self-assessment framework, enabling companies to map their current DEI practices, define strategic goals, and prioritize resource allocation. By integrating insights from organizational practice, the model emphasizes realistic development paths over prescriptive checklists. The model is freely accessible and designed to foster evidence-based, resource-sensitive DEI management in the German context. It contributes to both scholarly discussion and practical implementation, supporting organizations in moving from intention to action in their DEI strategies.