Strategic diversity management can be defined as a systematic and integrated approach to managing and developing diversity within organizations, with the aim of achieving organizational goals and enhancing competitive advantage. It involves implementing strategies and practices that foster inclusion, leverage diverse perspectives, and create a culture and work environment where all employees can contribute to their full potential.
The module examines how to integrate diversity into the organization’s core processes to achieve both strategic and social goals. The content covers how high-level planning is anchored and implemented locally, as well as the inclusion process and potential obstacles.
We move from the overarching perspective to the local, practical level, examining how this is influenced by—and in turn influences—the development and improvement of the work environment and employee engagement.
In preparation for the module, we ask all participants to examine the external framework for diversity management and assess the maturity level of their own unit. The session will be characterized by dialogue and reflection, grounded in research on strategic diversity management.
Toolkit
As an important part of the project, a separate toolbox is being developed for working with diversity in your own unit. We also include links to other resources for working with diversity in our sector. It is currently under preparation and only available to facilitators of the module.
Module content and learning objectives
We normally meet for half a day to go through the following objectives for the gathering:
- Exploring strategic diversity management and the work environment
- Working on diversity maturity
- Addressing resistance to diversity
- How to work strategically and systematically with diversity as a resource
Meet the group
The modules have been developed in collaboration.
Kristian Solaas
University of Agder
Kari Skarholt
NTNU
Ola Martin Jensen Larsen
University of Stavanger
Miranda Moen
University of Oslo
Mona Grindheim Matre
University of Bergen