Module Directory

This module introduces students to the importance for organisations of managing workforce diversity and equity. While this importance is extensively discussed in practitioner and academic communities there remains a gap between equalities policy and its effective implementation in the contemporary work(place).

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect on the ideas, debates and concepts underpinning the development of different policies and practices shaping the management of equality, diversity and inclusion. We will encourage you to critically engage with theory and practice in exploring the organisational processes and contexts which both produce and reinforce inequalities of outcome among diverse social groups. Reflecting on the tools at our disposal to monitor those outcomes, and improve them, we will consider our ethical responsibility to do so. The module will provide insights in the role of HRM practitioners and other organisational actors in managing equality, diversity and inclusion; and the need for relentless effort in order to make a difference.

The aims of this module are to explore:

• The changing social, economic, political and cultural context of equality, diversity and inclusion.


• Theoretical and conceptual debates underpinning different approaches to the management of equality, diversity and inclusion at work.


• The nature of informal and formal processes in organisations and wider labour markets which influence the provision and effectiveness of equality, diversity and inclusion policy initiatives.


• The role of HRM policy and practice, and of relevant legislation, in shaping the experience and management of equality, diversity and inclusion.


• Recent changes in the practice of equality including the influence of social movements on staff network activism and how changing work spaces may pose both opportunities and challenges for equality.


• Academic research and case study material focusing on lived experiences of equality, diversity and discrimination in contemporary work organizations and labour markets.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Consider appropriate strategies and structures for overcoming discrimination and inequalities embedded in the informal and formal processes that imbue employment and workplaces, including the role of legislation.


2. Act ethically and professionally with a demonstrated commitment to equality of opportunity and diversity in workforce development and to continuous personal and professional development.


3. Have an ability to analyse and evaluate the role of HRM policy and practice in shaping the experience and management of equality, diversity and inclusion.


4. Have a critical awareness of relevant philosophical, theoretical and conceptual debates underpinning different approaches to the management of equality and diversity at work.


5. Build an understanding of effective evidence-based practice in the management of equality, diversity and inclusion and its potential to support efforts to foster positive organisational cultures.


6. Have an informed and reflexive appreciation of lived experiences of equality, diversity and discrimination and the role of management in helping to shape those experiences.

Skills for Your Professional Life (Transferable Skills)

1. Self-evaluation: students will be encouraged to develop their reflexivity by keeping a weekly Learning Journal. They will develop their critical thinking and written communication by reflecting on their experiences in a diverse learning setting and relating their learning experiences to theories and concepts studied throughout the module.


2. Provide a critical analysis of approaches to management, organisation and employment from the perspectives of disadvantaged groups.


3. Develop your capacity for reflexive critical engagement and collaborative analysis of key issues through development of a group presentation.


4. Foster your commercial and social awareness through discussion of contemporary case studies engaging with current issues in the management of equality and diversity.


5. Develop your research skills, critical thinking and ability to evaluate evidence by producing an in-depth case study that draws on your module learning.

This module will be delivered via:

• 3-hour weekly sessions consisting of interactive workshops.

Beginning with a lecture style overview of the aims and focus of the session, followed by a case-study analysis and interactive group discussion, these are intended to culminate in a sharing of ideas and insights. This format is seeks to: (a) facilitate intellectual exchange and discussion, encouraging the development of a critical, reflexive approach to understanding and managing equality and diversity, (b) help you to prepare for your assessment, and (c) encourage the development of transferable skills.