Introduction to Diversity Management and Leadership (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

Having completed this study unit
Individual level:
- You recognize your cultural background and its impact on daily decision making and how they interact with each other.
- You know different diversity dimensions, your own stereotypes and biases towards others.
- You know the basic concepts of cultural diversity and are able to communicate effectively in different international environments.

Organisational and team level:
- You know theories and practices on how to work in culturally and otherwise diverse teams and organizations.
- You know theories and practices on how to contribute, collaborate, communicate and debate in diverse teams
- You know the organizations’ needs from diverse perspectives.
- You recognize the complexities arising from diversity related issues.

Societal level:
- You recognize the impact of diversity and cultural differences at a global and national level.

Competences: Internationalism and multiculturalism Competence; Sustainable Development Competence, Responsible Management and Leadership Competence

Content

- Cultural background and its impact
- Diversity dimensions, stereotypes and biases
- Basic concepts of cultural diversity
- Theories and practices of diverse teams and organizations
- Complexities arising from diversity related issues
- Organizations’ needs from diverse perspectives
- Impact of diversity and cultural differences at a global and national level
- Theories and practices on how to contribute, collaborate, communicate and debate in diverse teams
- Effective communication in different international environments.

Location and time

The studies are completed independently, and completion is not tied to a location.
You will be informed of the detailed performance requirements related to the studies at the beginning of your studies.
The studies are mainly completed in the Lapland UAS Moodle learning environment.

Teaching methods

The course is implemented online, mainly through independent study.
You will receive information related to the studies, literature recommendations and clarifications on completion methods when the studies begin.
You have the opportunity to complete the studies within the implementation period (1.9.2025-31.5.2026).

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

• Level 1
Basics of Diversity management
You recognize the cross-cultural concepts and theories.
You know the role of culture and diversity in business.
You know the basic theories in cultural and diversity management and are able to apply them in teams and in a workplace with assistance.

Level 2
Basics of Diversity management
You know cross-cultural concepts and theories.
You understand the role and meaning of culture and diversity in business.
You understand the basic theories in cultural and diversity management and are able to apply them in teams and in the workplace.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Level 3
Basics of Diversity management
You understand cross-cultural concepts and theories and their meaning in business.
You have a good understanding of the role and meaning of culture and diversity in business.
You understand the basic theories in cultural and diversity management and are able to utilize them.

Level 4
Basics of Diversity management
You have a command of cross-cultural concepts and theories and are able to evaluate the role of culture and diversity in business.
You have a command of the role and meaning of culture and diversity in business.
You understand the theories in cultural and diversity management and are able to utilize them.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Level 5
Basics of Diversity management
You have a holistic understanding of cross-cultural concepts and theories and are able to evaluate the role and meaning of culture and diversity in business.
You can effectively and proactively use different theories of cultural and diversity management and are able to foresee the impacts of their use in teamwork and in the workplace.

Further information

Information for Open University of Applied Sciences students

REGISTRATION
Selection for studies is made in the order of registration. Registration is binding and places are limited. After registration, you will receive a confirmation message from the system with instructions for starting your studies. If you do not receive the message, please check your spam folder and contact avoinamk@lapinamk.fi if necessary.

Note. Please find out in advance the impact of your studies on unemployment security from TE services.

USER IDS
You will receive an email message from the IT user administration regarding your user IDs approximately one week before the start of your studies. Activation is done with your personal online banking credentials or mobile certificate. Also check your email spam folder. The message may end up in spam.

STUDIES
One credit corresponds to approximately 27 hours of student work. The study completion requirements for Open University of Applied Sciences students are the same as for degree students.
Students must have their own (laptop) computer.

MORE INFORMATION
https://lapinamk.fi/koulutus/osaamisen-taydentaminen/avoin-amk/avoin-amk-usein-kysytyt-pitanyaset/

www.lapinamk.fi/avoinamk
avoinamk@lapinamk.fi