10cp

Managing Diversity

Prerequisites Nil

Teaching Organisation 3 hours per week for 12 weeks or equivalent.

It is often argued that people are the most important resources in organisations and as such, a study of the effective leadership and management of that increasingly diverse resource is important in enhancing organisational effectiveness. This is particularly so in environments where organisations are subject to an increasing set of changes and challenges. Leading and managing in these changing environments requires new mind-sets which address dilemmas such as the reconciliation of the 'business imperative' on the one hand and collaborative, empathetic and equity emphases on the other. This unit draws attention to the organisational and managerial challenges associated with a diverse workforce. It looks at a number of theoretical and practical issues related to leading and managing diverse employees. Organisational settings are places of cultural contact, interaction, and sometimes conflict. The ethnic diversity of Australia and the historical interaction of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal societies have considerable business implications. These human resource management issues are addressed in the context of leading organisations in a changing and challenging environment. The content and theoretical framework for this unit is infused by principles of social justice and equity. The contemporary practices discussed throughout this unit attempt to develop sensitivity to and understanding of cultural and gender-related issues. This unit aims to enhance student learning, critical enquiry, intellectual debate and a commitment to professionalism. This unit is designed to provide business professionals with an understanding of the complex issues involved in catering for diversity and strategies for professional practice in contexts of diversity.

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