Merit vs. Inclusion

Merit vs. Inclusion. I really can’t believe some think it’s an either/or choice. Instead of “vs.,” it should be “and” because inclusive practices are founded on treating people fairly. Let’s take the divisive politics out of the conversation and focus on merging merit with inclusion.

As a sociology and English major, I’d like to point out that Michael Young originally coined “meritocracy” as a work of dark satire—a dystopian vision where IQ and heredity determined one’s worth, and where merit quickly became an excuse for inequality. Young warned that taken to extremes, meritocracy can create a self-congratulatory elite oblivious to the struggles of others. Whew—that’s a lot. And while I promised to leave politics out, this is too important an issue not to address, but, I will avoid stating the obvious.

Today, the term is often celebrated as a promise that talent and effort determine success. However, when merit is framed without true inclusion, it justifies unequal opportunities and perpetuates biases and systemic barriers. True progress demands a synthesis of merit and inclusion.

So, how do organizations ensure they have merit-based inclusive practices? Here are a few actionable strategies:

• Design Job-Specific, Inclusive Assessments:
Develop job simulation exercises and tailored assessments free from socioeconomic and cultural biases.

• Build Inclusive Development Pathways: 
Create comprehensive career development programs that nurture the potential of all employees, regardless of background.

• Embed Fairness by Design: 
Establish transparent pathways and ethical practices that dismantle barriers before they arise—integrating fairness into every process.

• Monitor, Measure, and Iterate:
Regularly analyze performance data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that merit-based systems remain effective and fair.

By committing to these strategies, organizations can move closer to a world where merit and inclusion enhance one another—unlocking true talent and fostering innovation. In a fair system, every success genuinely reflects hard work, creativity, and dedication.

Let’s work together to build environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. How does your organization balance merit and inclusion? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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