Abstract
Inclusive leadership has become an instrumental construct of study in organisations, given its impact on better work outcomes. In recent times, inclusive leadership (IL) has garnered significant attention within organisations due to its profound impact on enhancing work outcomes. Despite its increasing relevance, there remains a limited understanding of its multifaceted functions, essential competencies, characteristics, measurement techniques, and the diverse array of outcomes it engenders. To address this knowledge gap, the current study embarked on a comprehensive examination of existing literature, aiming to illuminate the intricate dimensions of IL. Drawing insights from a comprehensive review of 61 pertinent studies, this research reveals a rich tapestry of findings. Firstly, the analysis discerns that IL can be categorised into four distinct functions, each playing a pivotal role in shaping organisational dynamics and fostering inclusivity. Firstly, the analysis discerns that IL can be categorised into six distinct functions, each playing a pivotal role in shaping organisational dynamics and fostering inclusivity. These functions are self-leadership, protecting and caring for talent, considering diversity, equity, and inclusion, and driving organisational success. The present study sought to review published studies and explore the functions, competencies, characteristics, measurements, and outcomes of IL. Results were obtained from (N = 61) studies. The findings reflected that IL has six functions, 10 characteristics, eight competencies, seven measurements well as individual-, group-, and organisational-related outcomes. The study contributes to the existing literature by consolidating what is known about IL by shedding light on the multifaceted dimensions of inclusive leadership. It underscores the vital role that IL can play in driving organisational development and suggests that organisational development programmes should not only prioritise the promotion of inclusive language but also focus on cultivating IL practices. By doing so, organisations can harness the transformative power of IL to create more inclusive, productive, and innovative workplaces, ultimately reaping the myriad benefits it offers in terms of better work outcomes.
Keywords: Inclusive leadership, inclusion, diversity, systematic literature review