MBA Programs and DEI

diversity

Find Your MBA

Get matched with top online MBA programs now!

#MeToo. #BlackLivesMatter. #StopAAPIHate. These are just a few current social movements that have made Americans consider the social inequalities that still exist in our nation. The professional world is now under investigation due to these social challenges. Executives are rushing to change their companies’ hiring procedures. Corporate culture has workers talk about their discriminatory experiences at work. This has caused corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to increase. DEI was formerly considered a sub-component of the human resources division. It has now become a key business function in which both large and small organizations have made significant investments.

DEI in the Workplace

hands

Top-tier workers and job seekers are now seeking a holistic work environment more than ever. The most remarkable talent still needs competitive pay, benefits, and growth possibilities. Still, these conventional demands are now accompanied by a desire for

  • guaranteed equal conditions,
  • diverse workplaces, and
  • promised inclusion chances for all employees.

There is a solid reason why the discussion about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace is becoming more prevalent daily. In addition to promoting diversity inside an enterprise, DEI also focuses on gender equality. These efforts address wage discrepancies and provide benefits that make it easier for workers to balance work and family obligations.

Diversity, equity, and Inclusion is no longer just trendy terms that only require yearly training in the employment industry. In actuality, the reverse is true. Business executives are becoming aware of DEI’s impact on all areas of the company when it is given priority. The definition of DEI in the workplace is growing. It’s not about pretending to be ignorant of differences or fulfilling particular demographic criteria. Instead, it’s about

  • appreciating diversity,
  • seeing the effects of systematic injustice concealed in corporate cultures, and
  • recognizing the significance of your employees’ intersecting identities.

What is DEI?

To better grasp what Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) entail, let’s take a closer look.

Diversity in an organization refers to the presence of various social and cultural traits. It requires several individuals representing a diverse spectrum of identities and possessing multiple opinions, experiences, etc.

equity

Equity/ Equitable treatment, opportunities, and advancement are what equity refers to. Equity aims to seek and remove obstacles that hinder some groups from fully participating. This entails ensuring everyone achieves high-performance standards, eliminating any associations between achievement or failure and social or cultural factors—identities, respecting diversity, and exposing structural injustices buried in corporate cultures.

Inclusion refers to involving and embrancing others, no matter their identity. Inclusive employees feel a part of their team and the more incredible organization. By fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and respect and utilizing the influence of various ideas, experiences, and viewpoints to produce more value, inclusion is diversity in action.

DEI and Education

The number of job listings for DEI-related positions surged by 123% between May and September 2020, notwithstanding COVID-19’s repercussions on the American economy. Colleges and universities have heard the call, and they are growing with the times.

Not only are colleges being intentional about their DEI initiatives within their walls, they are expanding their curriculum to develop tomorrow’s inclusive leaders. Innovative HR tracks have been added to many Online MBA programs. Many institutions are developing DEI certifications and specializations. Our world is changing, and Corporate America/ Higher Ed. is trying to be part of the paradigm shift.

Emory University

With attention on the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, interim dean of the Goizueta Business School at Emory University in Atlanta, Karen Sedatole, shared her resolutions for the new year last month. She committed that Goizueta would continue to prioritize DEI in its programming and curriculum. As part of their business school experience, students in the one- and two-year MBA programs at Goizueta will now have the option to select a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) concentration. According to a school release, this change takes effect immediately and “establishes DEI as a curricular emphasis at Goizueta in line with our other strategic areas—leadership, business and society, and entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Cambridge College

woman at computer

Other universities, such as Cambridge College, have implemented a DEI certificate. The nation’s inaugural MBA with a concentration in DEI+B was established by Cambridge College. It was in response to the demand for leaders who comprehend and value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The program is primarily designed to train vanguard leaders who will be tasked with integrating DEI+B into their corporate DNA.

Internationally renowned DEIB practitioners, specialists, and authors collaborated on developing the MBA curriculum and courses. The result was a multi-layered strategy for informing and involving everyone within the company, including the board of directors, the C-suite, and department heads—basically, every aspect of the business.

With the help of the Cambridge College Global MBA DEI+B, you can:

  • Implement a thorough approach to change management
  • Recognize, honor, and cherish the differences between races and genders.
  • Removing the obstacles that divert attention from inclusion
  • Engage in successful communication with coworkers of diverse backgrounds.
  • Using a systemic approach, navigate change management and its effects on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Identify implicit prejudice
  • Develop personal abilities via the lens of multiple intelligences, focusing on emotional intelligence, systems thinking, and inclusive leadership.
  • Engage in difficult discussions regarding diversity, assist in developing a diverse workforce, and promote an inclusive environment for all employees.

Action Steps

According to Brian Mitchelle, Goizueta is establishing itself as a leader in DEI thanks to its innovative courses. Few management schools, including Goizueta, have included this intellectual depth in their curricula.

The world is evolving, and corporate entities must do the same to ensure an equitable workplace for everyone. Many companies see the trend and have made it their mission to implement DEI-driven missions and workplaces. Thankfully, more businesses are spending money on DEI staffing and experts. Even though almost 60% of companies claimed they lacked a DEI specialist, 40% said they invested in developing the specialized knowledge required to create adequate equity & inclusion initiatives.

just start

So, where do you fit in? Are you looking for and MBA with a DEI focus? Are you looking for a certificate or more training? The good news is that more and more tools are out there for MBA students. Now is the time to find what works for you and your future in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Related Resources:

Guide to Online MBA
How to Choose an Online MBA?

Find Your MBA

Get matched with top online MBA programs now!