KVVS9013 Diversity in Social Interaction at Work (3 cr)

This course explores how diversity may become relevant in interpersonal (face-to-face and technology-mediated) interactions at work, such as in exchanges between co-workers, supervisors and subordinates, business partners and clients, in small groups and teams, or in one-off encounters with customers. Following a critique of traditional essentialist approaches to diversity, we will explore diversity as a social construct using a critical interculturality lens. We will look at issues such as identification and othering, complexities of disadvantage, language competences, and the construction of a shared workplace culture. Practical implications for employees, leaders, managers and consultants will also be discussed.