The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Bryan School of Business and Economics
Department of Business Administration
Spring 2011
MGT 354.01 – Managing Diversity in Organizations
Instructor:
Office:
E-mail:
Office Hours:
Course Documents:
Dr. A. P. McKinney
370 Bryan Building
apmckin2@uncg.edu (best way to contact)
Tuesdays & Thursdays - By appointment (send an e-mail to schedule)
http://blackboard.uncg.edu (lecture notes and assignments)
TEXT:
Bell, M. P. (2007). Diversity in Organizations. Thomson South-Western.
ISBN – 0324302576 (www.bestbookbuys.com).
PREREQUISITE:
Junior standing
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course explores diversity in the workplace. Diversity is defined, examined, and discussed from both
an individual and organizational perspective by exploring the opportunities to discover and appreciate
differences while developing more effective organizations.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of the course, students should be able to:
 Identify the differences in people that affect diversity management
 Assess individual differences related to personality, cognitive style, personal values for self-awareness
 Understand the influence of perception and stereotypes on diversity management
 Describe the approaches to diversity management in organizations and discuss the challenges of
working in and managing a diverse workforce
 Explain the legal consequences that are associated with diversity management practices
 Evaluate organizational practices for diversity management and recommend strategies for improving
organizational effectiveness for attaining a fair and unbiased workplace
COURSE RULES:
The content of the course is designed to explore the various dimensions of diversity and how individuals
perceive and react to these differences. There are often no “right” or “wrong” answers as it relates to
diversity and thus we focus on the perceptions and opinions that individuals may hold that influences their
behavior. This class is designed to be highly interactive and will generate a great deal of discussions. One
of my goals as Instructor is to have this class be as interactive as possible, however, the following rules
will apply to all enrolled in this course:
 All comments made in the class are anonymous to those outside this class
 Take ownership of your comments, feelings, and actions
 Above all else, RESPECT OTHERS’ OPINIONS
 You have the right to agree or disagree with others BUT you will not be disrespectful or
disruptive to others in this classroom
 Failure to follow these course rules may result in your dismissal from this course.
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CLASS MEETINGS:
Class will consist of a mix of lectures, class discussions, and in-class activities. It is essential that you read
the text and complete all assignments prior to class in order to fully comprehend the material. My lecture
notes as well as homework assignments will be posted on Blackboard. My lecture notes provide an
outline for the text material to be covered and other examples. My notes are not a substitute for reading
the text because I will not cover all note slides in class. It is optional for students to print and use the
lecture notes I post on Blackboard. In the event you do use these notes, you may want to consider deleting
the design that I have used to save your color printing.
In addition to lecture notes, course grades are also posted on Blackboard for your review. You should
review grades on a regular basis and report any discrepancies immediately. Discrepancies will only be
addressed if discussed in a reasonable time frame (e.g., within one week of being posted.)
My office hours are by appointment and you simply send an e-mail requesting a time to meet. I also check
e-mail frequently and you can always contact me with questions or concerns regarding the course. I can
generally reply within 48 hours (excluding weekends).
PROFESSOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS:
Learning is the active process of acquiring new knowledge, behaviors, and skills and it is the goal of the
instruction in this class. Learning requires participation and participation includes: attendance,
preparedness, and attention. You are expected to attend each class session and it is also important for
students to arrive ON TIME for class. The classroom door is generally closed during class time to avoid
interruptions and noise that may occur outside the class. Once I begin class, I will not permit interruptions
for people arriving late. In the event you miss a class, it is the student’s responsibility to follow up with
another student for missed coursework and assignments. NOTE: When in class, please turn off all
electronic devices (e.g., cell phones) or at a minimum switch to silent or vibrate tones. Laptops are
commonly used in classroom settings; however, because of the participative nature of this course, laptop
use is NOT ALLOWED in class.
Engagement in Learning. In order to actively engage in the process of learning, you need to prepare for
class. To facilitate your preparedness, lecture notes, practice exercises, and exam reviews are posted on
Blackboard the first week of class; however, you must READ these items prior to class.
The Bryan School has also provided faculty and student guidelines for classroom and learning
expectations. More detailed information regarding faculty and student guidelines can be found at
http://www.uncg.edu/bae/faculty_student_guidelines.pdf. This document provides more specifics on
classroom expectations of both students and faculty and they will be enforced in this class.
Student violations of any of the policies and procedures included in this syllabus may be subject to
removal from the course and/or university policies addressing the learning environment.
STUDENT RESPONSBILITIES & RIGHTS:
Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. In
order to assure that all students have the opportunity to gain from time spent in class, unless otherwise
approved by the Instructor, students are prohibited from engaging in any form of distraction (e.g.,
talking/texting on cellular phones, sidebar conversations, etc.). Inappropriate behavior in the classroom
shall result, minimally, in a request to leave class that may be temporary or permanent. If at any time
students feel that their learning experience is being disrupted, I encourage you to meet with me outside of
class to discuss confidentially and I will address in class. More detailed information regarding student
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conduct in class can be found at studentconduct.uncg.edu/policy.
Accommodations
Students also have available services or assistance to aid their learning experience. The Office of
Disability Services (ODS) is available to assist students with special needs requests that may include
alternative testing, interpreters, or listening devices. You can check your eligibility for these services at
http://ods.dept.uncg.edu/eligible. If you opt to take your exams in the ODS, you must have your request
form submitted to me for approval 7 days prior to the exam.
Religious observances. The University allows for a limited number of excused absences each academic
year for religious observances required by the faith of the student. When appropriate notice is provided by
a student, the student must be granted at least two excused absences under this policy and must be
allowed to make up or waive work and tests missed due to these particular absences. For my class,
students must provide 7 days notice if requesting religious accommodations and be expected to provide
appropriate documentation. You can view the full university policy in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
If you need to use a translation dictionary, please submit a request to me prior to the date needed. Note –
electronic dictionaries are prohibited. Some exams may require the use of a calculator, however, cellular
telephones are not allowed for this use at any time during exams.
GRADING:
The final grade for the course will be based on the following assignments:
Midterm Exam
30%
Final Exam
30%
Group Paper & Presentation
30%
Participation/Diversity Journal
10%
TOTAL:
100%
*One or more exams may be substituted with a case study that assesses your understanding of diversity
and the issues/strategies associated with effectively managing diversity.
GRADING SCALE:
A
90 – 100
B
80 – 89
C
70 – 79
D
60 – 69
F
59 and below
*Pluses/minuses are given within the grading scale.
HONOR SYSTEM:
The Honor Code of UNCG will be strictly enforced. Students will be required to sign the Honor Code
pledge at the end of each examination and other written assignments. Examinations and assignments will
not be graded if the student has not signed the Honor Code pledge. Any violations of the Honor Code of
UNCG will be promptly reported to Honor System Administrators. You can view the academic integrity
policy at http://studentconduct.uncg.edu/policy/academicintegrity.
GRADED COMPONENTS:
Exams: The exams may consist of any of the following types of questions – true/false, multiple choice,
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short answer, and essay. Exams will be given on the dates indicated in the syllabus. You must take exams
at the normally scheduled class time; you will not be permitted to arrive late and take the exam. There are
no provisions in place for taking the exams early or taking a make-up exam. I realize that certain events
may happen that prevent you from being in class to take the exam as scheduled. IT IS YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR IN THE EVENT YOU WILL MISS A
SCHEDULED EXAM – PRIOR TO THE EXAM START TIME (contact can be via e-mail). Students
who miss an exam and receive the appropriate approval from the Instructor will have the weight of the
missed exam shifted to the final exam. Students who miss any exam without notifying the Instructor
within 24 hours prior to or after the exam will receive a “0” grade for the exam, with no exceptions.
Class Participation: Class participation is an instrumental part of the learning process and contributes to
your final grade. I will provide a series of in-class exercises/activities, online discussion sessions, and
homework assignments to reinforce the principles of diversity management. A 10-point penalty will be
assessed in the student’s participation grade for each absence beyond 4 in the semester.
Class participation may consist of any or more of the following: Discussion Boards: These are online
discussions will allow for anonymous class discussions for everyone to participate. I will provide more
details about the discussion boards in the second week of class. Exercises/Role-plays: Students will
complete a variety of in-class exercises that individual and group exercises to reinforce the principles of
diversity management. An occasional assignment will need to be completed outside of class (i.e.,
homework) with specific instructions for submission. Current Events: Students will be asked to present
current issues in society or the workplace that impact diversity management. Case Studies: You may have
one or two case studies to complete that examine issues of diversity management in an organization. You
have to present in class to receive credit for in-class participation assignments. There are NO make-up
provisions for missed in-class assignments. No late or e-mail submissions will be accepted for any
assignment. Therefore to receive class participation credit, you must:
1. Be in attendance for class when assigned and collected (verified with an attendance roster)
2. Adhere to the submission requirements in content, form, and timing
3. Must be able to demonstrate your understanding/comprehension of the material
Proper Submission of Written Class Assignments
Unless otherwise specified, all assignments and papers must be typed or they will not be graded. I will not
accept work that does not meet the following requirements:
1 Typed with at least a 12-pt font and for business writing should be in either Times New Roman or
Arial.
2 Cover sheets are not required but you must have the following – name, page numbers, and
MUST be stapled if more than 1 page.
3 The paper may be single- or double-spaced.
4 All assignments are due at the START of class on the date specified by the Instructor. No late
submissions or e-mail submissions for ANY assignment will be accepted.
5 Failure to follow these instructions will result in a 15 point penalty off the final grade for the
assignment (Note: This is a penalty off the final paper grade).
NOTE: Do not put your ID or SSN number on any class assignment unless asked to do so. You should
not be asked for your complete SSN, so please guard it carefully.
Diversity Research Project and Presentation (Group): Students will work in teams to research a
current issue in diversity management that is relevant to managers and HR professionals. A separate
handout detailing the project and grading criteria will be posted on Blackboard and will be discussed in
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the second week of class. Students will work in groups and select a topic or we may have a common
course topic. Topic choices will be submitted along with an abstract describing the topic and how your
team will address the “so what” question, signed team contract, and one signed copy (per team) of the
acknowledgement of team member dismissal procedures. These items are due at the start of class on.
Failure to submit abstract, team contract, and acknowledgement of dismissal on time will result in a 10point penalty from the final paper grade. Failure to attend and participate in the research presentations
will result in 25 point penalty from your overall grade for the research project.
Research Project Submission Requirements:
 Submit one copy of paper (including attachments/appendices) and PowerPoint slides via Digital
Dropbox on Blackboard.
 Submit a hard copy (per person) of your typed self and team evaluation to the Instructor on the date
specified
 Failure to submit any of the above on the date and time specified will result in penalties for the
individual and/or group.
Inclement weather policy: If we experience snow, sleet, ice, etc., I will generally follow the University’s
schedule for classes. However, I also use my own judgment regarding class and I will post a notice on
Blackboard and send an e-mail to all students if there is any change in the class meeting due to inclement
weather.
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MGT 354 – Tentative Course Schedule
DATE
TOPIC
ASSIGNMENTS
1/11 & 1/13
Perspectives on Diversity
Diverse Definitions of Diversity; Trends in
valuing diversity
Bell, Chp. 1, pp. 3-18
1/18 & 1/20
Perspectives on Diversity
Strategies for Managing Human Resource
Diversity; Diversity and Managerial competencies
Readings handout
1/25 & 1/27
Perspectives on Diversity
Diversity/EEO legislation
Bell, Chp. 2
2/1 & 2/3
Perspectives on Diversity
Diversity/EEO Legislation
Bell, Chp. 2
2/8 & 2/10
Differences that Matter:
Cognitive Style, Personality, Stereotypes
Assessments
Research Project Workday
2/15 & 2/17
Age/Generational Diversity
“Managing the Clash of generations”
Bell, Chp. 11
Group Abstracts due on 2/17
2/22 & 2/24
Mid-term exam on 2/22
3/1 & 3/3
Gender Diversity - Introduction
Gender Diversity
Gender stereotypes; The Glass Ceiling
Phenomenon
Bell, Chp. 9
3/8 & 3/10
Spring Break
3/15 & 3/17
Sexual Orientation/Sexual Harassment
Gender discrimination & sexual harassment and
Religion
Bell, Chps. 9, 10 & 15
3/22 & 3/24
Race/Ethnic Diversity:
Historical perspectives on race
Diversity vs. Affirmative Action
Ethnic group: Blacks/African-Americans
Readings handout
Bell, Chp. 4
3/29 & 3/31
Race/Ethnic Diversity
Defining race in the new millennium
Ethnic Groups: Latinos/Hispanics, Native
Americans, and Multiracial groups
Bell, Chps 5 & 8
4/5 & 4/7
Race/Ethnic Diversity
Ethnic Groups: Asian Americans &
Whites/European Americans
Bell, Chps. 6 & 7
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DATE
TOPIC
4/12 & 4/14
Course Wrap-up & Review
ASSIGNMENTS
4/14 – Exam 2 (Final Exam)
4/19 & 4/21
Diversity Presentations
4/27
Reading Day
4/28
Noon – 3:00
Diversity Presentations, if needed
**The Instructor reserves the right to make changes in this schedule as she deems appropriate. Any
changes in this schedule will be announced in class.
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