A nuanced approach to diversity research
DiversityÌýis multifaceted. It encompasses more than the traditional aspects related to genderÌýand ethnicity. Beyond the ethical reasons for fostering workplace diversity and an inclusive culture, there's a strong business case for maintainingÌýa diverse workforce. In a work environment, different backgrounds,Ìýopinions, ideas and experiences drive innovation and enhance organisational effectiveness.Ìý
Associated schools, institutes & centres
Impact
OurÌýresearch aims to study the novel facets ofÌýdiversityÌýrelevant to organisations and individuals.Ìý
In addition to the traditional aspects of diversity studies, our work focuses on:Ìý
- intersectionalityÌýand how inequality regimes are reproduced through organisational processes, norms, culture and interpersonal relationsÌý
- how different mental models give rise to intersectionalityÌýand how it can be embraced by organisations and businesses to enhance their effectivenessÌý
- methods to elicit mental models to try to understand how people perceive a systemÌýas well as the similarities and differences between those perceptionsÌý– such as those related to Q methodologyÌý
- the incommensurability surrounding inclusion andÌýdiversity, exploring what happens when ideas, thoughts, values andÌýknowledge of the 'we' doÌýnot ‘fit’ with that of 'others'. Can a ‘common ground’ be found in these circumstances?Ìý
- diversityÌýas a source of creativity and the generation of new productive ideas in businesses, organisations and geographies (for example, cities and countries)ÌýÌý
- the dynamics of ethnic entrepreneurship: exploring immigrant self-employment as a source of value and a reflection of structural disadvantage in the labour market.ÌýÌý
Competitive advantage
Our team includesÌýexpertsÌýfrom the disciplines of management, psychology, industrial organisation, applied economics, human resource management, gender studies, environmental studies, organisational anthropology and social sciences.ÌýÌý
We're uniquely positionedÌýto studyÌýdiversityÌýand its effects using either a discipline-specific or broaderÌýcomprehensive and multidisciplinary approach,Ìýdepending on the issue investigated. EachÌýof ourÌýresearchersÌýhas substantive experience asÌýanÌýindividual andÌýinÌýaÌýteam with other researchersÌýinÌýthis cluster.ÌýOur research spans:Ìý
- health and disability servicesÌý
- gender equalityÌýin public sector organisationsÌý
- cultural competency in the delivery of government servicesÌý
- migration policy.
Successful applicationsÌý
We haveÌýdelivered a range of projects in the broad disability field,Ìýincluding a review of the first National Disability Strategy, research on the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Disability Employment Services and the impact of COVID-19 on children and young people with disability. Ìý
We also prepared a report forÌýtheÌýCanberra Multicultural Women’s Forum and the ACT Office for WomenÌý–Ìý.Ìý
Study with us
UNSW Canberra offers a Diversity Management subject for postgraduate studentsÌýas part of the Master of Business program. Cross Cultural Management is also available as part of the Master of Business.
Our researchers
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