ABSTRACT
This chapter presents ways for an understanding of culture essential for effective leadership. It examines ways diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging contributed to organizational and leadership excellence. The chapter shows how can leaders in higher education integrate the skills of ethnography into their leadership practices. An understanding of cultural concepts and a sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences are increasingly vital given the recognized importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Inclusive leaders take ownership for diversity and inclusion in the organization instead of relegating it to a select few representatives. They exhibit a commitment to these aims in their messages and in their behaviors such that they exhibit a genuine and nonjudgmental curiosity about others, and have the ability to listen deeply and practice cultural humility. The two largest and most important employee groups within higher education institutions are the staff/administrators and the faculty, each of which plays a vital and significant role in any department, school, or institution.
