WORK6115: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

WORK6115: Managing Diversity and Inclusion at Work

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit examines the ways in which organisations manage a heterogeneous workforce and the legal and ethical issues associated with the management of workforce diversity. While drawing on international literature in the field, the primary focus is on the Australian experience, including the so-called 'program' approach and the complaint mechanism found in the anti-discrimination statutes. As well as encouraging the development of diagnostic and prescriptive skills in diversity management, students also have the opportunity to develop a critical perspective on the growing literature in this field.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Work and Organisational Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Meraiah Foley, meraiah.foley@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Meraiah Foley, meraiah.foley@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment AI Allowed Team Presentation
Team presentation
25% Formal exam period
Due date: 15 Jun 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 24 Jun 2025
5-7 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO3
Small continuous assessment In-class quizzes
3 x short quizzes held during standard lecture times
30% Multiple weeks 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Skills-based evaluation Case Study
Written, in-class response to a detailed case study
35% Week 13 60 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6 LO3
Participation AI Allowed Unit Engagement
n/a
10% Weekly n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO5 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

  • In-class quizzes (30%) – Three closed-book quizzes (worth 10% each) will be held during normal lecture times. 
  • Unit engagement (10%) – This grade assesses students' preparation, engagement with readings, and contributions to weekly tutorials. Minimum attendance of 10/13 tutorials must be achieved in order to receive a mark for unit engagement. Attendance below 10/13 tutorials without Special Consideration will incur a 0 mark. 
  • In-class case study (35%) – Students will be asked to respond to a series of questions about an extended case study based on materials covered in lectures and tutorials. This individual, written, closed-book assessment will take place during the normal lecture period in Week 13. 
  • Group presentation (25%) -- Students will prepare a video presentation to a hypothetical CEO or company board outlining a Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for their company.  

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

(a) any assessment submitted after the due time and date, or extended due time and date, will incur a late penalty of 5% of the total marks per 24 hour period, or part thereof, late. (b) assessments submitted after the 'Closing Date' noted in the Unit of Study Outline will not be marked or assessed.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)  
Week 02 Why care about D&I at work? Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)  
Week 03 Approaches to diversity management Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)  
Week 04 From diversity to inclusion Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)  
Week 05 Structural barriers to D&I Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)  
Week 06 Dimensions of D&I Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)  
Week 07 Dimensions of D&I Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)  
Week 08 Dimensions of D&I Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)  
Week 09 Dimensions of D&I Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)  
Week 10 Understanding resistance to D&I Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)  
Week 11 Why diversity programs fail (and what works) Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)  
Week 12 Toward more inclusive organisations Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)  
Week 13 In-class case study Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture attendance - the lecture has been scheduled in two parts: You only need to physically attend ONE Lecture. The 3.30 to 4.30 scheduled lecture is completed online; each week an online module will be released which has a theoretical focus, with key readings and prework tasks to set you up for the main lecture and tutorials. Note this online module can be completed in students' own time (i.e., you are not required to attend campus for this scheduled session).

The live, in person lecture is a one-hour face-to-face 'practice' session which will extend the theoretical information provided in the online lectures. 

Lecture recordings: All lectures and seminars are recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use. Please note that the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every class will be recorded. Under University policy, students are expected attend and participate in classes. 

Tutorial attendance and unit engagement: Tutorials commence in Week 1. Note that there is a minimum attendance threshold of 10/13 tutorials to qualify for a mark for unit engagement.  

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please refer to the Canvas Reading List.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate mastery of key D and I theories and concepts addressed in the course, and the ability to draw on examples to illustrate business knowledge in D and I
  • LO2. demonstrate mastery of relevant knowledge and ability to question existing conventional wisdom and practice, and apply relevant theories, concepts, and examples in insightful ways to substantiate claims, and also demonstrate the ability to evaluate the D and I space - by questioning, assessing, and responding independently and creatively to assumptions, propositions, and debates within D and I practice
  • LO3. apply a range of quantitative and qualitative research skills to identify and diagnose complex and unfamiliar problems surrounding D and I, and use evidence and findings generated, to formulate strategically appropriate solutions/analyses to core debates in D and I, and also synthesise major arguments and perspectives, substantiate claims by providing appropriate breadth and depth of examples/evidence, and reference material (primary and secondary source material), and propose and justify appropriate response to questions/problems
  • LO4. develop a persuasive argument/negotiation/outcome through a written and verbal communication strategy, and communicate solutions appropriately, based on audience, and to a professional standard
  • LO5. debate, discuss, and solve problems by working in teams: that is, display capable team leadership skills and team collaboration skills
  • LO6. consider and deliver on ethical and social justice issues underscoring D and I debates and solutions.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

NA

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 31 Jan 2025.

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