HRD for Diversity

This unit introduces learners to critical HRD theories and thinkers in order to broaden their understanding of how diversity can be effectively utilised in organisational life. In the process learners gain insights into how the HRD process can be used as a mechanism for promoting individual growth and social justice in organisations in a multicultural society. Through a range of reading seminars challenges are presented to the on-going rationale for HRD as being to better pursue competitive advantage or to fulfil the needs of business strategy. Learners are given the opportunity to develop their critical thinking abilities by addressing these concerns. The unit seeks to develop learner awareness of the dangers of uncritically supporting a technocratic approach whereby individual skills and organisational capabilities are developed merely to operate in ways that have serious human and ecological consequences. Instead students explore ideas of how to make diversity work for them/their organisations.