ORG555: Leading Diverse Teams
Credit Hours:
Contact Hours:
3
This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that 16 weeks of
material is covered in 8 weeks. The exact number of hours per week that you can
expect to spend on each course will vary based upon the weekly coursework, as
well as your study style and preferences. You should plan to spend 10-25 hours per
week in each course reading material, interacting on the discussion boards, writing
papers, completing projects, and doing research.
Faculty Information
Name:
Phone:
CSU-GC Email:
Virtual Office Hours:
Course Description and Outcomes
This course helps students uncover and understand the complexities of managing diversity through a unique
dialogue of opportunity and a global lens. Developing diversity consciousness is a lifelong, incremental process
that requires ongoing commitment and learning. People of all backgrounds are apt to encounter barriers to
their success when they communicate, work in teams, lead, and manage conflict in diverse settings. This course
offers students the theories, processes, and tools to deal effectively with these barriers and turn diversity into
an asset. Students will learn to address diversity issues as managers and leaders and to effectively integrate
diversity into the culture of an organization.
In addition, the course highlights some of the most prominent diversity management leaders and describes
exemplary organizations in diversity management. Conversely, students will examine their own experiences and
thinking as it pertains to diversity.
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Explain what constitutes a global perspective and integrated approach to diversity and apply and
analyze with respect to leading and managing an organization.
2. Apply and analyze different legal perspectives of diversity as they relate to leading and managing an
organization.
3. Compare and contrast the roles of men versus women in the workplace and analyze how leaders
respond to and shape those roles as they lead and manage organizations.
4. Describe and explain the roles played by and cast upon individuals of different races and ethnic
backgrounds in the workplace and describe how these roles affect and are affected by leadership and
management in organizations.
5. Illustrate how organizational leaders account for generational differences among employees to
effectively plan, lead, and manage.
6. Describe and analyze the presence of religious beliefs in the workplace and explain how to effectively
lead and manage an organization that incudes employees with diverse beliefs.
7. Examine the relationships among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT), and “straight”
employees and discuss the implications for leaders and managers.
8. Describe how people with disabilities adapt in the workplace and explain how the leadership and
management of organizations respond to and account for those adaptations.
9. Describe your cultural background and analyze how that affects your role in an organization
10. Identify leaders of organizations who effectively manage diversity and analyze their methods.
Participation & Attendance
Prompt and consistent attendance in your online courses is essential for your success at CSU-Global Campus.
Failure to verify your attendance within the first 7 days of this course may result in your withdrawal. If for some
reason you would like to drop a course, please contact your advisor.
Online classes have deadlines, assignments, and participation requirements just like on-campus classes. Budget
your time carefully and keep an open line of communication with your instructor. If you are having technical
problems, problems with your assignments, or other problems that are impeding your progress, let your
instructor know as soon as possible.
Course Materials
Required:
Cañas, K. A., & Sondak, H. (2014). Opportunities and Challenges of Workplace Diversity: Theory, Cases, and
Exercises (3rd Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NI: Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780132953511
Clark, V. L. P., & Creswell, J. W. (2010). Understanding Research: A Consumer’s Guide. Boston, MA: Pearson.
ISBN-13: 9780131583894
Colorado State University-Global Campus. (2013). CSU-Global guide to writing and APA requirements.
Greenwood Village, CO: Author.
**All non-textbook required readings and materials necessary to complete assignments, discussions, and/or
supplemental or required exercises will be provided within the course itself. Please read through each course
module carefully.
Course Schedule
Due Dates
The Academic Week at CSU-Global begins on Monday and ends the following Sunday.
 Discussion Boards: The original post must be completed by Thursday at 12 midnight MT and Peer
Responses posted by Sunday 12 midnight MT. Late posts may not be awarded points.
 Critical Thinking Activities: Assignments are due Sunday at 12 midnight MT.
Week #
1
Readings
Chapters 1 & 4 in Opportunities and Challenges of Workplace Diversity:
Theory, Cases, and Exercises
Assignments


Discussion Board (25)
Critical Thinking (75)
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Chapter 2 in Opportunities and Challenges of Workplace Diversity:
Theory, Cases, and Exercises
Chapters 3, 9, & 11 in Opportunities and Challenges of Workplace
Diversity: Theory, Cases, and Exercises
The Human Rights Campaign. (2013). The HRC story. Retrieved from
http://www.hrc.org/the-hrc-story


Discussion Board (25)
Critical Thinking (75)

Discussion Board (25)
Critical Thinking (75)
Chapter 6 in Opportunities and Challenges of Workplace Diversity:
Theory, Cases, and Exercises
Chapters 3, 4, 5, & 14 in Understanding Research: A Consumer’s Guide
Chapter 7 in Opportunities and Challenges of Workplace Diversity:
Theory, Cases, and Exercises (3rd ed.).
Hole, D., Zhong, L., & Schwartz, J. (2010). Talking About Whose
Generation? Why Western Generational Models Can’t Account for a
Global Workforce. Deloitte Review, (6), 83-97. Retrieved from
http://www.deloitte.com/view/en_US/us/Services/additionalservices/talent-human-capitalhr/5d6e2bb18ef26210VgnVCM100000ba42f00aRCRD.htm


Discussion Board (25)
Critical Thinking (75)


Discussion Board (25)
Critical Thinking (75)
Chapter 8 in Opportunities and Challenges of Workplace Diversity:
Theory, Cases, and Exercises
Chapter 4 in Opportunities and Challenges of Workplace Diversity:
Theory, Cases, and Exercises (3rd ed.).
Slaughter, A.M. (2012). Why Women Still Can’t Have It All. Atlantic
Monthly. Retrieved from
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/why-womenstill-cant-have-it-all/309020/
Chapter 10, 12, & 13 in Opportunities and Challenges of Workplace
Diversity: Theory, Cases, and Exercises (3rd ed.).
Llopis, G. (2011, June 13).Diversity Management is the Key to Growth:
Make it Authentic. Retrieved from
http://www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2011/06/13/diversitymanagement-is-the-key-to-growth-make-it-authentic/


Discussion Board (25)
Critical Thinking (75)

Discussion Board (25)


Discussion Board (25)
Portfolio Project (350)
Assignment Details
This course includes the following assignments/projects:
Module 1
Critical Thinking: Diversity Experience (75 Points)
Diversity encompasses a wide variety of experiences and differences, and our perspectives on diversity are
often framed and informed by mental models. Peter Senge, in The Fifth Discipline, described mental models
as "deeply held internal images of how the world works, images that limit us to familiar ways of thinking and
acting. Left unchallenged, these mental models cause us to see what we have always seen: the same needs,
the same opportunities, the same results. And because we see what our mental models permit us to see, we
do what our mental models permit us to do.”
Begin this assignment by identifying which definition of diversity from the Module 1 readings most closely
mirrors your own definition. Explain how the definition you selected from the readings is similar to and
different from your working definition. Then explain your mental model of diversity within the context of
he diversity paradigms presented in the readings. How do your mental models inform your thinking and
approach to diversity in the workplace? Provide an example. Explain how your experience in life and the
readings for the module inform your global diversity awareness.
Assignment Guidelines:
 2-3 pages in length, not including the title and reference page.
 Include at least 2 academic references other than the course textbook from the CSU-Global Library,
cited in the assignment.
Remember, you must support your thinking/opinions and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be
supported; In-text references used throughout the assignment must be included in an APA formatted
reference list.
Module 2
Critical Thinking: Diversity Law/Regulation Presentation (75 Points)
Conduct research on a federal or state law or regulation using the textbook and at least three outside
academic resources. The law/regulation can be regarding any form of diversity from the course, including
gender, race/ethnic, religion, sexual orientation, or disabilities.
In a 2-3 page paper, describe, discuss, and analyze the law you have selected. Introduce the law in historical
context. From a leadership lens, evaluate and analyze the law in terms of how it impacts organizations and
which type of organization is likely to be affected by the law.
Assignment Guidelines:
 2-3 pages in length, not including the title and reference page.
 Include at least 3 academic references other than the course textbook from the CSU-Global Library,
cited in the assignment.
Remember, you must support your thinking/opinions and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be
supported; In-text references used throughout the assignment must be included in an APA formatted
reference list.
Module 3
Critical Thinking: Exemplary Leader (75 Points)
Select one of the examples of a past or present organizational leader provided in this week’s readings or
select a similar example of your choice. If you choose to select someone not on the list, make sure you have
adequate information to demonstrate the person’s commitment to diversity. Approach this assignment
from the perspective of examining the significance of authentic leadership commitment when managing
diversity.
The assignment should include the following about the leader and the organization and be presented in
essay form.
1. Background – What is the professional background of the leader? Is there any personal information
or experience that led to their passion for managing diversity?
2. Status of Diversity (all aspects) within the organization – What role did diversity play in the
organization before the leader became part of the organization?
3. Philosophy – What is the leader’s philosophy on diversity management?
4. Strategies – What strategies did the leader implement to transform the way in which the
organization managed diversity?
5. Goals – What were the diversity-related goals implemented by the leader? What are their future
goals related to diversity?
6. Current Status – What is the current status of the organization in terms of diversity as it pertains to
preparing a global workforce?
Assignment Guidelines:
 2-3 pages in length, not including the title and reference page.

Include at least 3 academic references other than the course textbook from the CSU-Global Library,
cited in the assignment.
Remember, you must support your thinking/opinions and prior knowledge with references. All facts must be
supported. In-text references used throughout the assignment must be included in an APA formatted
reference list.
Module 4
Critical Thinking: Research Evaluation (75 Points)
For this assignment, evaluate a research article published within the last five years that is related to this
module’s field of study (leading and managing racial and ethnic diversity in the workplace). The CSU-Global
Library is an excellent place to search for the article.
Identify a professional journal that is relevant to this module’s field of study. Select a current research
article from this journal that addresses the following issue: overcoming racial and/or ethnic discrimination in
the workplace
On the basis of your chosen article, complete the Research Evaluation Table, and following the presentation
of the table, compose a 2-3 page paper on management or leadership challenges regarding racial and/or
ethnic diversity in the workplace. One of the 3 references you use should be the article you evaluated.
Submit as one word document.
Assignment Guidelines:
 2 pages in length, not including the title and reference page.
 Include at least 3 academic references other than the course textbook from the CSU-Global Library,
to support your literature review.
Remember, you must support your thinking/opinions and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be
supported. In-text references used throughout the assignment must be included in an APA formatted
reference list.
Module 5
Critical Thinking: Generations in the Workplace (75 Points)
Different generations tend to view work life differently in terms of dedication, expectations, interactions,
and purpose of work.
In a 2-3 page paper, first identify your generation, whether it is Baby Boomer, Gen X, Gen Y, or a different
generation.
Next, describe your viewpoints on work with regard to dedication, expectations, interactions, and purpose
of going to work and analyze with respect to ideas from the readings and outside academic sources
regarding your generation’s perspective.
Do you share qualities with others in your generation? Provide examples from the literature.
How do you work with other generations, and why do you think your work relationships are as they are with
other generations? Substantiate with reference from the literature.
Assignment Guidelines:
 2-3 pages in length, not including the title and reference page.
 Include at least 3 academic references other than the course textbook from the CSU-Global Library,
to support your literature review.
Remember, you must support your thinking/opinions and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be
supported. In-text references used throughout the assignment must be included in an APA formatted
reference list.
Module 6
Religion and Spirituality in the Workplace (75 Points)
Research a recent (less than 5 years) case (either a court case or one that captured national news attention).
Describe and cite the source of your case, discussing workplace issues that have been raised with respect to
religion and/or spirituality practices.
Based on your case study, what strategies can organizations use to educate employees about religious
diversity? Comment on challenges organizations may face when addressing the discussion of religious
diversity.
In addition to the CSU-Global Library, the following Internet resources will be helpful in beginning your
research.
 BBC Religion www.bbc.co.uk/religion/
 The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life http://pewforum.org/
 The Pluralism Project at Harvard University www.pluralism.org/resources/links/index.php
 Virtual Religion Index http://virtualreligion.net/vri/
 Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion Internet Guide to Religion
www.wabashcenter.wabash.edu/resources/guide_headings.aspx
Assignment Guidelines:
 2-3 pages in length, not including the title and reference page.
 At least 3 academic references, other than the course textbook, to support your literature review.
Remember, you must support your thinking/opinions and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be
supported. In-text references used throughout the assignment must be included in an APA formatted
reference list.
Module 8
Portfolio Project (350 Points)
For the Portfolio Project, you will research a company of your choosing with regard to its organizational
diversity.
This can be either a company you work for or a corporation such as those mentioned in the course
materials. The portfolio should be in the form of a CSU-Global APA formatted essay. You can find a sample
paper in the CSU-Global Library by clicking on the “APA Guide & Resources” link. Make sure to use research
to back up your statements. Review the Portfolio Project Rubric for specific grading criteria.
Include a copy of your Portfolio Project Proposal from Week 1. Then write a 10-12 page paper that
addresses each of the following numbered items as they relate to your company. (Each item is worth equal
value.)
1. Provide a background and organizational framework for the corporation including relevant historical
information, industry information, etc.
2. Provide a detailed explanation of how the top leadership of the company has shown commitment to
diversity.
3. Provide a detailed explanation of the company’s reputation, the industry, and the stakeholders with
regard to diversity initiatives.
4. Analyze how this company could improve on its current diversity strategy to improve its overall
corporate performance.
5. Discuss the policies, procedures, and practices the organization uses to effectively deal with various
forms of diversity in the work place. Discuss what are the outcomes associated with failure to follow
the policies, procedures, and laws that pertain to diversity in the organization.
6. Discuss all the following types of diversity and the roles they play in the culture of the organization:
 Gender
 Age
 Race/Ethnicity
 Religion
 Sexual Orientation
 Disabilities
1. Discuss how the leadership of the organization sets the standards and effectively manages and leads
the diversity of the organization.
2. Analyze whether the organization is managing diversity properly. What you would do as a leader to
effectively improve the diversity initiatives to increase the effectiveness of the organization?
Assignment Guidelines:
 10-12 pages in length, not including the title and reference page.
 At least 6 references, other than the course textbook, cited in the assignment. The link “Companybusiness profiles” under the How to Find section of the CSU-Global Library is a good place to start
your research.
Remember, you must support your thinking/opinions and prior knowledge with references; all facts must be
supported; In-text references used throughout the assignment must be included in an APA formatted
reference list.
Course Policies
Late Work
Students are permitted a 7 day grace period during which they may submit a Critical Thinking assignment after
the original due date without penalty. Papers submitted between 8 and 14 days after the original due date will
be accepted with a potential 10 percent reduction in grade for late submission. Papers submitted 15 or more
days beyond the original due date may not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made with the
instructor. No Portfolios will be accepted late and no assignments will be accepted after the last day of class
unless a student has requested an incomplete grade in accordance with the Incomplete Policy.
Course Grading
20% Discussion Participation
45% Critical Thinking Activities
35% Final Portfolio Paper
Grading Scale and Policies
A
95.0 – 100
A-
90.0 – 94.9
B+
86.7 – 89.9
B
83.3 – 86.6
B-
80.0 – 83.2
C+
75.0 – 79.9
C
70.0 – 74.9
D
60.0 – 69.9
F
59.9 or below
FN*
Failure for Nonparticipation
I**
Incomplete
* Students who stop attending class and fail the course for nonparticipation will be issued the “FN” grade. The FN grade may have
implications for financial aid and scholarship awards.
** An “I” grade may be assigned at the Instructor’s discretion to students who are in good standing (passing) in the course. Students
should have completed a majority of the coursework in order to be eligible for the “I” grade. Students should request an "I" grade from
the Instructor with a written justification, which must include explanation of extenuating circumstances that prevented timely
completion of the coursework. If the request is approved, the Instructor will require a written agreement consisting of a) the specific
coursework to be completed, b) the plan to complete the coursework, and c) the deadline for completion. The agreement will be kept on
file at CSU-Global Campus. An incomplete course must be satisfactorily completed within the time frame stipulated in the agreement, but
no later than the end of the following semester from the date the “I” was given. An incomplete not removed within one year shall
convert to an F and be included in the computation of the student’s grade point average.
Academic Integrity
Students must assume responsibility for maintaining honesty in all work submitted for credit and in any other
work designated by the instructor of the course. Academic dishonesty includes cheating,
plagiarism, unauthorized possession of academic materials, and falsification. The Student Handbook
provides information on how students can avoid plagiarism by understanding what it is and how to use library
and internet resources appropriately with proper citation. Please refer to the Academic Catalog for complete
policies regarding plagiarism and academic dishonesty.
APA
Students are expected to follow the CSU-Global APA requirements when citing in APA (based on the APA Style
Manual, 6th edition). For details on CSU-Global APA style, please review the APA resources located under the
Library tab in Blackboard.
Netiquette
All posts and classroom communication must be conducted in a professional and respectful manner in
accordance with the student code of conduct. Think before you push the Send button. Did you say just what you
meant? How will the person on the other end read the words?
Any derogatory or inappropriate comments regarding race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, are
unacceptable and subject to disciplinary action.
If you have concerns about something that has been said, please let your instructor know.
Institutional Policies
Refer to the Academic Catalog for comprehensive documentation of CSU-GC institutional policies.