Alexandr Wang proposed the alternative acronym "MEI," which stands for "merit, excellence, and intelligence." He suggested this approach as a replacement for the commonly used DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in hiring practices. Wang argued that focusing on MEI would create a genuinely inclusive and high-performing workforce by recognizing and rewarding talent based on merit and intelligence3.
Mutale Nkonde criticized the meritocracy argument by stating that it ignores the structural reasons some groups are more likely to outperform others1. She argued that the idea of meritocracy is itself subjective and that diverse teams have been proven to be more effective.
DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the context of corporate hiring. It refers to practices and policies intended to support people from various backgrounds and give them the resources they need to thrive in the workplace1. A DEI framework takes into account factors like race, gender, and sexual orientation, aiming to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment1.