• describe, compare and discuss management approaches and critical perspectives to diversity
• relate these approaches and perspectives to the issues of ethnicity, gender and other common diversity categories
• analyze and reflect upon these approaches from organizational as well as societal perspectives
• analyze the advantages and problems with the notion of diversity when encountered in organizational contexts, and assess some of the practical implications following from the work with diversity in specific company cases
• describe, apply and assess relevant analytical tools and methods to understand and identify diversity issues in an organisational setting.
• describe, apply and assess relevant analytical tools and methods to understand and identify diversity issues in an organisational setting
• Demonstrate good academic writing skills (clear and accurate writing style in English language, correct use of relevant terminology, coherent structure of arguments, proper use of references)

Diversity is a widely-debated topic both in society in general and within organizations. This course aims at providing the students with an in-depth understanding of the concept of diversity in organizations as well as in the different perspectives on and definitions of diversity management. We will discuss management approaches as well as critical perspectives to diversity. Many different aspects of diversity will be addressed such as, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and more. We will read literature on diversity from different contexts. The students will analyse the diversity initiatives in different organisations. During the class discussions we will examine and debate what diversity is and what effects these definitions have on the organization and its stakeholders. We will also discuss why organizations address diversity from a firm perspective as well as from a societal perspective. Companies and associations working with diversity will be invited to the course. The instructors will use lectures, case presentations/analysis, company presentations, and student presentations-participation throughout the course. In addition, because one of the central objectives of the course is for students to develop an informed but critical understanding of diversity management, the course is structured to maximize student participation and engagement. Throughout the course, students will be asked to prepare small/informal presentations based on the readings, class discussions, company presentations, personal experience, and easily available texts/media (websites, newspapers, etc.).

The course’s development of personal competences:
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to locate and evaluate research materials, organize and use data/research to create and support an original argument. In addition, students will gain experience speaking in front of and with colleagues, developing their personal communication skills.

Danowitz, M A., Hanappi-Eger, E., and Mensi-Klarbach, H., (Eds), 2012, Diversity in Organizations. Palgrave MacMillan. 
 
Selected readings. References will be uploaded on LEARN.