Managing Diverse Perspectives

Catalog description

More intellectually diverse groups make better decisions, but only if the group members work together effectively and are willing to learn from all members, no matter their perspective.Simply finding faults in other people's arguments can be counterproductive unless you are also willing to recognize faults in your own arguments. This course provides a setting for students to develop the skills needed to work better in group decision making. In this seminar we will analyze a set of issues that in various ways illustrate the types of problems that can interfere with quality decisions. The emphasis will be on: a) developing reasoned positions; b) making sound and compelling arguments that support those positions, c) learning and updating based on the sound and compelling arguments made by others and d) recognizing errors in reasoning made by self and others. The class will consist of a series of cases that require making a business decision. Students will work together to formulate reasoned arguments supporting their solution. The course grade will be jointly determined by how well students initially analyze the problem and how they then update their solutions based on the arguments made by others. Students will work in groups throughout. The class will satisfy the 'Engaging with Differences Requirement' (EDR).