Why Certain Questions Are Included in the TPI

Why do some items feel repetitive?

Our goal is for the Talent Practices Inventory to be comprehensive. This means we will ask questions that are distinct, but related. For example, we may ask about whether you have a Culture mission AND we ask whether you communicate that mission externally. These are related, of course, but distinct. One helps you set your strategy, the other communicates what you value.

Why do we care about proactively addressing uncertainty for new hires?

Research finds that while everyone is susceptible to questioning their belonging when they are new to an organization, people from underrepresented backgrounds are mostly likely to face these challenges. Therefore, to promote inclusion and create an inclusive culture for everyone, it’s important that organizations develop onboarding processes that explicitly address, and normalize, these fears. Normalizing what researchers call “belonging uncertainty” can help alleviate these concerns.

What do you mean by a “formal” process?

By formal we mean a documented, structured process. For example, if employees are encouraged to take time off but there is no written guidance around how to take time off, how much time off is appropriate, etc., then you do not have a formal time off policy. If employees are encouraged to give feedback to one another but there is no regular process or mechanism for doing so (e.g., a feedback platform or performance management system), then you do not have a formal performance management or feedback process.