HR9614 - Diversity in the Workplace

The topic of diversity is viewed as increasingly important in the modern workplace. It is intended that this module will situate current and emerging equality and diversity debates and issues within the context of the labour market and the legal requirements. It will therefore acknowledge both the social justice case for equality as well as the business case for diversity. A strong emphasis will be placed on referencing historical perspectives whilst also having a clear perspective that you will need to be able to adopt a ‘real world’ understanding of the contemporary workplace and topical diversity aspects. These may include areas such as women in management and the gender pay gap to discrimination/prejudice or institutional racism. So there is an ongoing expectation that you will be able incorporate areas that are in the news and public eye.
The module operates with one hour lectures and is followed by two hour seminars. The lecture will outline the theory and concepts of the topics. You will then be expected to research more deeply the weekly topic and to attend the seminar fully prepared. Seminar activities will include case studies, group presentations, student – led discussions and debates and group ‘training’ sessions.

Support will be provided by the member of academic staff leading this module. Experienced academics will provide lecture expertise as well as seminar support.
Your module is supported by an e-learning portal which houses lecture materials, assessment details and various support systems and supplementary contemporary diversity materials. You will be provided with a wide-ranging electronic reading list that comprises of core textbooks, academic journal papers, professional reports that will support and supplement knowledge and skills required for this module.
The module assessment comprises of a learning portfolio which requires topic related reflection as well as recommendations for the modern workplace.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• To understand, analyse and evaluate the impact of managing diversity on individual and organisational performance as well as being able to critically reflect upon the impact of diversity in the contemporary workplace. This will incorporate the expectation that equality will be promoted at the level of best practice rather than minimum compliance and students will be able to articulate the business case for diversity. (MLO1)

• To become a source of expertise in the field of diversity (including being able to monitor and implement) which will be able to support effective equality and diversity management particularly in supporting and coaching line managers in their function. (MLO2)


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Ability to adopt a critical understanding of equality and diversity concepts and values with the ability to apply these in a real world setting. (MLO3)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Conduct innovative project work and research related to diversity. (MLO4)

The module assessment requires you to build up a portfolio of learning related to diversity in the workplace.
Your portfolio will be based upon the learning acquired in each lecture and seminar activity.
You will adopt a reflective approach to each topic and be able to incorporate the concepts of how managing diversity impacts upon individual/organisational performance as well as complying with the law and embracing best practice.
You will be expected to concentrate in your report upon 2 of the protected characteristics studied.
Then you will be expected to produce recommendations for workplaces relating to these and outline how you will facilitate these in the workplace.

You will monitor your learning via formative assessment generated via regular group oral presentations which will provide both tutor and peer feedback.

All four MLOs will be assessed through the portfolio.

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For students who are looking to take forward their knowledge and skills relating to equality/diversity, this is a module which will excite you and capture your imagination.
This module allows you to study and research some of the most contemporary management areas which we so often read about in the newspaper headlines. Examples include why women are not represented in top management or why racism and bullying still exists in some workplaces and cultures. It aims to capture your reflections on such areas whilst also requiring you to consider innovative solutions that will enhance workplaces. By completion of the module you will be both knowledgeable and confident about the topic of diversity in the workplace and well equipped to add value to existing and future employment