Diversity in Social Interaction at Work
Course code
KOI7061.FK
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Mitmekesisus sotsiaalses suhtluses tööl
Course title in English
Diversity in Social Interaction at Work
ECTS credits
3.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2023/2024 Spring semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
lecturer of 2024/2025 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Course aims
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.
Brief description of the course
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.
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- understands how (cultural) diversity may be constructed in social interactions at work;
- can apply concepts, theories and models of critical intercultural communication to describe, analyse, and criticise structures and processes of communication in workplace settings;
- understands that diversity may play out in complex ways, and that culture and cultural differences are not the sole forces informing interpersonal communication in workplace contexts;
- can critically discuss ethical issues of communicating diversity at the workplace.
- understands how (cultural) diversity may be constructed in social interactions at work;
- can apply concepts, theories and models of critical intercultural communication to describe, analyse, and criticise structures and processes of communication in workplace settings;
- understands that diversity may play out in complex ways, and that culture and cultural differences are not the sole forces informing interpersonal communication in workplace contexts;
- can critically discuss ethical issues of communicating diversity at the workplace.
Teacher
Malgorzata Lahti
Additional information
Examination:
Written final assignment done in pairs/groups of three; active participation in course sessions will also affect the final grade.
Written final assignment done in pairs/groups of three; active participation in course sessions will also affect the final grade.