Managing a Diverse Workforce

MGMT 445 Managing a Diverse Workforce
Fall 2021
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT: LEADERSHIP ESSAY (15 percent of course grade)
Overview: Throughout the course so far we have discussed many different aspects of the Awareness-Empathy-Allyship (AEA) framework. Managers who incorporate these competencies are able to develop inclusive workplaces, which can help businesses by increasing team-problem solving, employee engagement, retention, and employee innovation.
This assignment requires you to integrate your life experience and the learnings from the course so far to articulate components of the AEA framework as applicable to YOU. This assignment will help you articulate what you are learning and why you think/act the way you do. This is an opportunity for “deep learning” as opposed to memorization. Through self-analysis and connection to the material, you will develop a deeper understanding of the material and of yourself as a leader.
Guidance: Your Leadership Essay should provide a personal, thoughtful analysis of your connection to the readings and class activities. It is not a summary of the readings, but rather an opportunity to self-reflect.
Deliverable: You will submit a 4-6 page, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, double-spaced essay by midnight on October 1st (11.55 pm). Your essay should have the following four components:
Awareness: Where does your awareness of diversity issues come from? Your own personal experience, or a role model in your life? Or from a public figure who has inspired you? How exactly did these “triggers” shape your awareness? Relate to readings and course material the best that you can.
Empathy: Related to the above: How did this awareness lead to your empathizing across differences? The difference could be based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, nationality etc. Relate to readings and course material the best that you can.
Allyship: Are there instances which demonstrate your allyship behavior based on the above? Or are there ideas you have to bring about change perhaps in a small way either in some leadership capacity in a student organization or in the future when you contemplate joining an organization. Relate to readings and course material the best that you can.
Personal Diversity Statement: Based on the three components above write a short (2-3 sentence) personal diversity statement that summarizes your commitment and personal goals with respect to diversity and inclusion. This will be a great way for you to articulate your high-level learnings from this class to an external audience such as recruiters who are increasingly interested in hiring individuals with diversity-related competencies.
(Note: that all four components have to be reflected in your essay. But the content within each component is entirely up to you)
Grading: You will be graded on a 5-point scale on three criteria: Clarity (related to concrete examples from personal life, readings, and overall writing clarity); Depth of Knowledge (related to multiple readings and course materials); Organization (presentation of material and coherent writing overall). 0= Unacceptable, 5= Excellent. Please note that no late assignments will be accepted.

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