Diversity in the Workplace (edX)

If one is able to harness diversity at the workplace, one can build a collaborative team, improve the contribution of each team member, and create an inclusive environment leading to success. This course will help you understand the meaning and impact of diversity and the importance of dealing with a diverse workforce.

Today, the workplace is becoming more complex and demanding. It also warrants interaction with people having different cultures, beliefs, genders, ethnicities, educational backgrounds and age profiles. The list can be expanded if we consider other differences. It is important to achieve organizational objectives by providing equal opportunity to everyone without any discrimination.

Due to changes in the workplace environment and the increasing number of diverse workforce, a need was felt to study the workplace again. New dimensions were emerged and among others, inclusiveness has been identified as one of the leadership traits needed today.

Diversity is understanding the range of individual differences, which has various dimensions like demographic, cognitive, cultural and professional differences. Recognizing and valuing differences will help to create inclusive environments. Which will help to feel everyone empowered in sharing their thoughts and perspectives. Providing equal opportunities to all without bias or discrimination will help to develop sense of belonging among employees. Therefore, the leaders who embrace and lead effectively diverse workforce are always gets best opportunities. The organization which promotes diversity and thrives on a diverse workforce, develop and sustains in the long run.

This course will enable the learner to understand the meaning of diversity, equity and inclusion. We will also discuss the personality traits that influence behaviour and lastly, how to improve inclusive behaviour as a leader. The importance of leading a diverse workforce to improve the sustainability of the company/organization.

What you'll learn

The objective of the course:

1. Enhancing understanding of the diverse world.

2. Learning to derive value from diverse companions at the workplace.

3. Enabling the learner to lead a diverse workforce.

4. Equipping the learner to create value for the organisation by embracing diversity.

The programme will include a mix of faculty-led discussions and small videos. The examples and studies conducted in different organisations will be discussed for better understanding.

Syllabus

Week 1

Module 1: Understanding the diverse world

1.1 UN Sustainable Development Goals

1.2 Moving towards One-world

1.3 Different Facets of Diversity

Week 2

Module 2: Readiness of the Leaders to Accept Diverse Colleagues

2.1 Personality Traits of the Leader – Prejudices, Biases and Stereotypes

2.2 Challenges in Accepting a Diverse Workforce.

2.3 Building Inclusive Behaviour through Collaboration

2.4 Readiness of Team Members to Work in Diverse Workplace

Week 3

Module 3: Identifying and Reviewing Diverse Workforce

3.1 Finding the potential of a diverse workforce

3.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Having a Diverse Workforce

3.3 Measuring and Assessing Diversity Initiatives

3.4 Methods and Tools in Assessing Diversity in the Organisation

Week 4

Module 4: Creating value for the Organization by Embracing Diversity

4.1 Attract and Retain Talent.

4.2 Improve Employee Engagement and Encourage Creativity & Innovation.

4.3 Improve Decision-making and Enhance Problem-solving.

4.4 Enhancement in Reputation and Brand Value of the Organization.