For this assignment please choose ONE of the two options below:

 

OPTION 1 - Selected Topic Research Paper (Adopted from Stacey Blake Beard, Harvard University 2000)

If you choose Option 1, you will conduct an in-depth study of one topic covered in the course, OR a diversity related topic of your choice. If you choose a topic that hasn’t been covered in the course, make sure to e-mail your instructor for approval. A good research strategy is to start with general overview materials, then to move to more in-depth data-based research on specific issues and then to move to primary sources of information.

Prepare a 1500-2000 word (6-8 pages) research paper on your topic.

The paper must include a description of the topic, analysis, synthesis of the scholarly literature related to the topic, and implications of the topic for workplace diversity.

The paper must include library research such as journals and other scholarly sources that cover literature in the area you have chosen. Wikipedia and blogs are not considered scholarly sources.

Some examples of topics to choose from (the list is not exhaustive):

Diversity assessment

Diversity training in organizations

Ageism and diversity

The effectiveness of mentoring programs for women and minorities

The effect of diversity on team performance

Career development theories and women’s career development

Current events that relate to the implications of proposed U.S. immigration changes for employers

How other countries view diversity compared to the U.S.

How different genders or cultures manage work life boundaries

 

OPTION 2 - Best Practice Research Paper

If you choose Option Two, you will write up a case study for an organization that is managing diversity. You may write about your current or former organization (company) or another organization of your choice.

Prepare a 1500-2000 word (6-8 pages) case study research paper on the organization selected.

Support why you think the company is managing diversity well, using data to support your position.

If the organization is not managing diversity well, explain why - what are the barriers/challenges to managing diversity within the organization?

What type of diversity/program/initiatives does the organization currently have; does it have a track record of managing diversity?

If it does not have diversity initiative, what would you recommend if you were hired as an HR manger for the company? If it does have a diversity initiative, what would you improve specifically and why?

The case study should include some basic history of the company, data to support your analysis, the history of diversity issues in the organization, an assessment and evaluation of how well the company is managing.

Whether you choose Option 1 or Option 2, make sure to use a minimum of FIVE references (published after 2000), including:

Authoritative reference materials

Data-based articles or books

Resources written by a member of the relevant population (country, group, or company)

If appropriate interview a member of the relevant population

Evidence that you have read and utilized the information from the references must appear in the body of the paper. You may also gather information from experts and professionals who are knowledgeable about the issue you have chosen. You may conduct telephone interviews, surveys or in person interviews.