96334 - Social Psychology of Diversity

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will know the social psychological theories and methods underlying the study of diversity, its beneficial and detrimental moderating factors and the optimal conditions under which diversity can produce benefical outcomes at the cognitive, motivational and behavioral level by involving individuals, teams and organizations.

Course contents

The course examines the themes of Diversity at work in-depth, explaining the theoretical, research and professional aspects that characterize the discipline. The course involves the following integrated and complementary modules:

Module 1: Silvia Moscatelli (4 credits, 30 hours)

The module aims to develop knowledge and skills on the following areas:

• Overview of social psychological theories of diversity and exclusion
• Explicit and implicit stereotypes
• Culture and communication in the global workplace
• Interpersonal relationships in a global work context

Module 2: Simone Donati (2 credits, 15 hours)

The module aims to develop knowledge and skills on the following areas:

• Global demographic trends
• Socioeconomic transitions, the new realities of the global workforce
• Diversity-related employment legislation in a global perspective
• Social policies and affirmative/positive action programs

Module 3: Sara Zaniboni (2 credits, 15 hours)

The module aims to develop knowledge and skills on the following areas:

• Introduction to diversity at work
• Diversity management: paradigms, rationale, and key elements
• Inclusive leadership
• Inclusive workplace models

Readings/Bibliography

• Lecture slides and materials presented/suggested in class (course materials will be available at the course website).
• Main textbook (mandatory): Mor Barak, M. E. (2022). Managing diversity: Toward a globally inclusive workplace (5th Edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

Teaching methods

The teaching methods used for the course are: lessons, case analysis and discussions, practitioners' reports, individual and group assignments, simulations, presentations of assignments.

The course is designed to be very interactive, based on students’ active participation. Therefore, students are requested to attend systematically all the lectures. Exchange students, aiming to choose this course for their learning agreement, should carefully consider – in their own interest – that they are requested to attend the full course.

Assessment methods

Module 1

The final assessment of Module 1 is based on a written exam (assessment of the knowledge) on the topics of Module 1. The grading scale is from 0 to 30, 18 being the minimum passing grade.

Module 2

The final assessment of Module 2 is based on an individual assignment/paper (individual performance) on the topics of Module 2. The grading scale is from 0 to 30, 18 being the minimum passing grade.

Module 3

The final assessment of Module 3 is based on a group assignment (group performance) on the topics of Module 3. The grading scale is from 0 to 30, 18 being the minimum passing grade.

The final grade is the mean of the grades of the 3 modules.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint, paper-pencil instruments, audiovisual materials, guided discussions.

Policy on the Use of Technology in the Classroom

• Students may not use any hand held devices in the classroom (cell phones, cameras, etc.) without the explicit permission of the professor.
• Computers should be used for note-taking only.
• Students who need to use voice recorders for class lectures must receive the explicit permission of the professor in order to do so.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Moscatelli