Claremont Graduate University (CGU)
CGU SBOS
HRM 324: Diversity & Global Human Resources Management
Contact Information
Course Instructor: Lisa Williams
Office: By appointment. Please let instructor know if you need to schedule
Phone: 661.917.3194
E-mail: * lisa.williams@ngc.com
Course Schedule
Semester: Fall (Module 2)
Meeting day, time: Thursday, October 30st - December 18th, 2014
7:00 – 9:50
(Please be on time!)
Course Location: Burkle 12
Course Description & Outline:
Why Diversity and Inclusion Matters
Trends: Globalization has become one of the business world’s hottest topics in the new
millennium. As organizations face stiffer global competition, the need to internationalize
continues to increase. Success in global business depends on how diversity is managed, and not
managing the global workforce effectively has severe consequences not only to one’s reputation
but to the “bottom-line”.
More than half the U.S. workforce now consists of minorities, immigrants and women. For the
last several years, the annual output of people getting their masters and PhD’s in engineering,
technology and computer science in China and India each exceeded that in the U.S.
China was expected to surpass Germany to become the third largest economy in the world.
China’s GDP is expected to become the world’s largest by around 2030 and India’s the world’s
second largest by around 2045.
Given all of these trends, globalization has altered the way in which we must do business.
Creating an environment for global diversity in the workplace is not just a human resources
issue, but a business strategy that embraces many elements (social, political, technical and
cultural considerations).
Phase One of this course will outline the history of Diversity from legal obligations of
companies to increase un-representation of minorities and women to valuing diversity and
inclusion which focuses more on the business case on intervention methods recognizing the
value in the uniqueness of everyone “not better or worse, just different”. It should also be noted
that diverse and inclusive workforces are known to be “higher performers” and studies have
linked higher diversity and inclusion with highly engaged workforces.
Phase 2: More focus on International diversity strategies while considering the trends in terms of
globalization in the market-place. In phase 2, the class will focus on both micro and macro
issues within organizations and considerations which must be dealt with sooner rather than later.
Background Preparations (Prerequisites) – There are no prerequisites for this course, however
the student will benefit the most by being honest about belief systems with the ability to share
sensitive topics. No student will be forced to share such information however it is believed that
everyone benefits the most from a variety of perspectives and experiences shared.
Texts and Journal References
Required: International Human Resource Management, Peter J. Dowling, Marion Festing and
Allen D. Engle, SR. Fifth Edition
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Objectives: The objective of this course is to give students a better understanding of the impact
of a global workforce and importance to achieving business goals and objectives. Additionally,
how to manage differences that occur as a result.
 Identify the differences between domestic and international Human Resources
Management (HRM)
 Relate to the importance of developing and understanding cross border alliances
 Identify key issues in international industrial relations and how to best handle.
 Understand the importance of diversity and inclusion while embracing such differences
as a strategy to manage performance to drive the organization to achieve business goals
and objectives
 Communicate the value of diverse cultural opinions and backgrounds in helping
companies to succeed.
Course Requirements & Assignments:
Week 1 – Why Inclusion Matters
Getting to know the class, be prepared to share the following:
Cultural experiences, Background & Why HR
Week 2 – Inclusion: Barriers and Break-through:
Affirmative Action Policies and Initiatives, Barriers to inclusion and what you can do
Week 3 – International HRM Chapters 1, 2, 3
Week 4 – International HRM Chapters 10, 11
Week 5 – International HRM Chapters 8, 9, 5
Week 6 – Summarizing and Presentations
Week 7 – Final Presentations & Paper Due (or by deadline)
Case study assignments may be given in lieu of an individual paper. In addition, in- class case
studies may be assigned as part of participation credit.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes. Students who are unable to attend class must seek
permission for an excused absence from the course director or teaching assistant. Unapproved
absences or late attendance for three or more classes may result in a lower grade or an
“incomplete” for the course. If a student has to miss a class, he or she should arrange to get
notes from a fellow student and is strongly encouraged to meet with the teaching assistant to
obtain the missed material. Missed extra-credit quizzes and papers will not be available for retaking.
“Missed class” paper will be assigned and due by next session.
Scientific and Professional Ethics
The work you do in this course must be your own. Feel free to build on, react to, criticize, and
analyze the ideas of others but, when you do, make it known whose ideas you are working with.
You must explicitly acknowledge when your work builds on someone else's ideas, including
ideas of classmates, professors, and authors you read. If you ever have questions about drawing
the line between others' work and your own, ask the course professor who will give you
guidance. Exams must be completed independently. Any collaboration on answers to exams,
unless expressly permitted, may result in an automatic failing grade and possible expulsion from
the Program.
Grading
Letter Grade
Grade Point
A
4.0
B
3.0
C
U
Description
Complete mastery of course material and
Additional insight beyond course material
Learning Outcome
Insightful
Proficient
2.0
Complete mastery of course material
Gaps in mastery of the course material; not at
Level expected by the program
0.0
Unsatisfactory
Ineffective
Grading:
Your course grade will be determined as follows:
Individual Paper
25%
Presentation
35%
Individual Paper
25%
Class Participation
15%
100%
Developing
Expectations and Logistics:
Important Dates
Midterm Exam: In lieu of Mid-term exams, individual papers will be assigned. Topics will be
determined prior to the due date and based on the discussion of the class.

Individual Paper #1
Due: November 5

Presentations
Due: December 10

Individual Paper #2
Due: December 17

Class Participation
On-going
Course Policies
Necessary accommodations: Any student who has a disability that prevents the fullest
expression of his or her abilities should contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss the
appropriate accommodations necessary to complete the course requirements.
Professional standards: The written products and verbal presentations you complete in this
course should be regarded as an extension of your professional self and should reflect the best of
your abilities. It is assumed that written reports will be neat, well-organized, well-written, and
without noticeable grammatical, punctuation, or other writing errors. If needed, the Writing
Center on campus can be of assistance. Presentations should be professional, incorporating
effective presentation skills and the use of accompanying visuals as needed. All assignments
deadlines should be adhered to. However, please do not hesitate to call the instructor. The cell
phone # is for your usage.