Research project
Rethinking EDI practice and policy through evolutionary psychology (REDI)
- Start date: 5 January 2026
- End date: 4 January 2027
- Principal investigator: Dr Hanna Gajewska-De Mattos
- Co-investigators: Riikka Harikkala-Laihinen
Description
“Rethinking EDI practice and policy through evolutionary psychology” (REDI) is an ambitious project that challenges the status quo of how Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) are understood and implemented in multinational enterprises.
While EDI has often been treated as a tool for boosting performance or minimising internationalisation risks, REDI takes a bold new approach: it asks how companies can truly align their EDI actions with their EDI promises.
This project is funded by the European Union [101200671].
Research overview
Our mission is to move beyond simply pursuing diversity and instead explore what really works – at the managerial level and in policy – when building meaningful, successful EDI initiatives. By doing so, REDI aims to reshape the conversation in international business and create actionable insights for companies and policymakers alike.
Impact
REDI is not just about academic debate – it is about impact. By helping businesses foster equality and inclusion, we contribute to healthier, more engaged workforces and, ultimately, stronger performance.
On a societal level, REDI supports fairer employment practices and helps build a future where discrimination is rare and inclusivity is the norm – fully aligned with the EU’s vision of a “fairer and more inclusive Union.”
Upcoming event
The Relational Economy: How Equality and Inclusion Drive Prosperity
Friday 20 November, online, 1pm – 3.30pm
An online cross-sectoral symposium webinar exploring how equality and inclusion drive prosperity. Please join us at this interdisciplinary event designed to spark meaningful conversations and drive forward-thinking action.
Speaker lineup:
- Niall Hayes, Professor of Technology and Organisation and Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Leeds University Business School, University of Leeds, UK
- Fajli Bibi, President, Global Sustainability & Inclusion Centre of Excellence, UK
- Jonas Forth, Director of Retail and Franchising, Moomin Characters Oy Ltd, Finland
- Niina Nummela, Professor of International Business, Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, Finland
- Jeremy Clegg, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration and International Business Management, Leeds University Business School, UK
- Mohammad Faisal Ahammad, Professor and Head of the International Business Department, Leeds University Business School, UK
- Hanna Gajewska-De Mattos, Associate Professor in International Management, Leeds University Business School, UK
- Riikka Harikkala-Laihinen, MSCA Postdoctoral Fellow, Leeds University Business School, UK
Publications and outputs
- “Why we need to rethink Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)” – Dr Riikka Harikkala-Laihinen, Research and Innovation Blog, April 2026