Available in 2024
Course code

IRHR3035

Units

10 units

Level

3000 level

Course handbook

Description

Management of diversity impacts both organizational performance and environment. This course aims to introduce you to a range of theoretical and applied approaches from various disciplines, so you can analyse workforce diversity in modern organisations and then design, evaluate and implement strategies to manage workforce diversity. Federal and state interventions which address labor market inequality and issues of gender, culture, disability, age and work/life balance etc, especially in Australia, are analysed. How diversity is managed at an organisational-level is the principal focus of the course. The social, legal and equity issues relevant to managing diversity in enterprises from both a national and international perspective will be addressed.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Ourimbah

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Newcastle City Precinct

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Compare and contrast characteristics of workforce diversity both nationally and internationally.

2. Examine different theories used to explain labour market segregation, segmentation, equity and diversity.

3. Identify relevant legislation, case law and government policies that relate to anti-discrimination, harassment, equal employment opportunity, pay equity and privacy.

4. Explore and reflect on individual/personal opportunities and challenges when pursuing diversity in the workplace.

5. Based on an assessment of "the business case" for diversity, determine, justify and recommend, professional best practice with regards to technical, organisational and process elements to be included in an organisation's strategy for managing diversity.

6. Employ macro and organisational-level data to critically analyse the success of state and firm-based diversity interventions.


Content

Students are required to apply relevant theories to analyse organisational-level human resource management functions and use their knowledge of relevant employment law and government policy to develop insights into the practice of managing diversity.  

  1. Contemporary and historical overview of workforce diversity and state interventions.
  2. Conceptualisations of difference and the justification for diversity management.
  3. Theoretical explanations for labour market segmentation and segregation, equity and equality, group interactions and power.
  4. Diversity and the Law: understanding the Australian anti-discrimination, harassment and bullying legislation and case law, Equal Employment Opportunity and Gender Equality legislation.
  5. The 'business case' for diversity.
  6. Dimensions of diversity and outcomes experienced at work including gender, work/life balance, cultural diversity and Indigenous Australians, workers with disabilities, religious and sexual diversity and age.
  7. Best practice organisational interventions
  8. Managing Diversity in practice in organisations: Challenges and opportunities.

Assumed knowledge

IRHR2270


Assessment items

Quiz: Online Quizzes

Journal: Reflective Journal

Report: Group Presentation and Report

Written Assignment: Board Paper on Preventing and Handling Discrimination/harassment in the Workplace


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Ourimbah

Integrated Learning Session-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
  • Students are expected to complete 4 hours of guided learning via online preparation, lectures, interactive workshops, tutorials, discussion groups or self-directed learning and an additional 6 hours of independent study per week.

Semester 1 - 2024 - Newcastle City Precinct

Integrated Learning Session-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
  • Students are expected to complete 4 hours of guided learning via online preparation, lectures, interactive workshops, tutorials, discussion groups or self-directed learning and an additional 6 hours of independent study per week.

Course outline