Managing a Diverse Workforce

Catalog description

This course focuses on developing knowledge and skills for managing differences within and among organizations. It provides an in-depth look at the sources of diversity-related conflicts in organizations, constructive approaches for managing these conflicts, and how corporations can leverage diversity for competitive advantage. The overall objective is to provide students with an understanding of the business case for diversity, the legal requirements surrounding the management of diversity in organizations, the structural dimensions of implementing diversity programs, skills for managing diversity in teams, as well as a general sensitivity to the kinds of issues that create conflicts within and between firms. Students will explore legal requirements including: EEOC, affirmative action, and the Americans with Disabilities Act and the implications of these for selection, compensation, promotion and dismissal. Examples of specific steps corporations have taken to address demographic, functional, occupational, and identity-based differences will be provided. Through the use of interactive case studies and experiential exercises, students will be given opportunities to learn about and appreciate their own and others' cultural heritages, reflect on constructive approaches for handling diversity-related conflicts (including those stemming from functional, occupational and identity-based differences as well as demographic ones) and for designing human resource management systems that capitalize on diversity and promotes inclusion.