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 of Diversity at work addresses the theoretical, research and professional aspects related to the social psychology of diversity, diversity managament, and the implementation of an inclusive workplace. The course involves two integrated and complementary modules: 96334-Social Psychology of Diversity (prof. Silvia Moscatelli) and 68046-Diversity Management (prof. Gerardo Petruzziello).

The module of Social Psychology of Diversity (3 credits, 23 hours) aims to develop knowledge and skills on the following areas:

• Overview of social psychological theories of diversity and exclusion
• Explicit and implicit stereotypes, and their consequences in the workplace
• Gender bias and sexual harassment
  
• Culture and communication in the global workplace

Readings/Bibliography

Main textbook (mandatory): Mor Barak, M. E. (2022). Managing diversity: Toward a globally inclusive workplace (5th Edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications (Chapters 6, 7, 8).

Articles (mandatory):

• Madeline E. Heilman, Suzette Caleo, Francesca Manzi. 2024. Women at Work: Pathways from Gender Stereotypes to Gender Bias and Discrimination. Annual Review Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior. 11:165-192. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-110721-034105
• Ellemers, N., & Rink, F. (2016). Diversity in work groups. Current Opinion in Psychology, 11, 49–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.06.001
• Dobbin, F. & Kalev, A. (2019). The promise and peril of sexual harassment programs. PNAS, 116(25), 12255–12260.
• Casad, B. J., & Bryant, W. J. (2016). Addressing stereotype threat is critical to diversity and inclusion in organizational psychology. Frontiers in Psychology.
  https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00008

Lecture slides and materials presented/suggested in class. Course materials will be available at the course website.

Teaching methods

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

The course is designed to be interactive and based on students’ active participation. Therefore, students are requested to attend systematically all the lectures.

Assessment methods

The final assessment of the Module Social Psychology of Diversity 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.

The final grade is the mean of the grades of the 2 modules of the integrated course Diversity at work.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students] as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

The use of ChatGPT or any other generative artificial intelligence tool is prohibited during the exam. The use of PC, smartphones, smartwatches, and earphones is stricly prohibited during the exam. Any violation of this rule will be considered a form of academic misconduct.

The use of generative artificial intelligence tools in individual or group assignments carried out as part of this course must be clearly disclosed and properly cited. Students are responsible for verifying the accuracy and relevance of any AI-generated content included in their work and retain full responsibility for the final outcome.

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.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Moscatelli