research paper proposal

Research Paper Proposal 1

Donna Harris

BUS600 Management Communications with Technology Tools

Research Paper Proposal

Dr. Robert DeYoung

July 26, 2010


Problem Statement

Workplaces today are complex social systems and more diverse than ever. The make up

of the workforces are made up of different genders, races, cultures, ethnic origins, and lifestyles.

As a result, today's work environments are becoming increasingly multicultural in nature. While

some organizations are just now encountering the effects of a diverse workforce, others are

attempting to overcome the difficulties created by such conditions. However, no matter where an

organization is in this development, the challenge is to assure its workforce's diversity is an asset,

not a liability. Successfully managing in such operational climates is a critical element of both

personal and organizational achievement.

Identification and explanation of the subtopic

The subtopic that I have chosen is the challenges of managing faculty and staff diversity

at a university. Universities are made up of many different cultures, including different races and

ethnic origins. Universities must recruit and retain experienced and diversified faculty and staff

while promoting and maintaining a diverse workforce. Universities must also successfully

promote an environment that accepts and appreciates every individual’s uniqueness and

characteristics regardless of race, gender, culture, ethnic origin, and lifestyle. Universities must

also make sure that their strategies to diversify their organization are in line with their strategic

plan. Universities must also develop measurement techniques to make sure that their diversity

strategies are an asset and are successful to the needs of the organization.

Explanation of the research process

Located my information from the ProQuest electronic collection, EBSCOHost academic

database, and by doing a web search. The search began by searching by keywords to find articles

that had relevant information for the topic that I was searching. I was interested in finding


articles that focused on the key concepts of diversity management, the challenges of managing

diversity in a university, promoting diversity, and overcoming the challenges of diversity. I was

also interested in finding article or examples of what other universities have done to promote

diversity and overcome the challenges of diversity. I also wanted to see what measurement

techniques were used by universities to determine if the university had been successful at

promoting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff at their institution.

I chose the article “Promoting Diversity: Recommendations for Recruitment and

Retention of Minorities in Higher Education” because the article provided recommendations for

recruitment and retention of faculty and students (Dumas-Hines, Cochran, & Williams, 2001).

The article also discusses recruitment strategies and retention strategies that are popular and

various colleges and universities (Dumas-Hines, Cochran, & Williams). Lastly the article

discusses developing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive plan for cultural diversity.

I chose the article “Managing diversity in academic organizations: a challenge to organizational

culture” because it looks at how higher education institutions are responding to the challenges of

increasing diversity.

I will also research various universities and see what strategies they have implemented to

manage and promote diversity on their campus. I will also research challenges they faced and

what steps they took to overcome those challenges.


References

(2007). Navigating the Straits: Overcoming Challenges to Faculty Diversity. ASHE Higher

Education Report, 33(1), 75-88. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

Barceló, N.. (2010). Reimagining Diversity in Our Institutions. Diverse Issues in Higher

Education, 27(6), 20. Retrieved July 26, 2010, from Research Library. (Document

ID: 2027156911).

Dumas-Hines, F., Cochran, L., & Williams, E. (2001). PROMOTING DIVERSITY:

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF MINORITIES

IN HIGHER EDUCATION. College Student Journal, 35(3), 433. Retrieved from

Academic Search Premier database.

Durska, M.. (2009). Diversity management: key concepts. Kobieta I Biznes,(1-4), 36-41.

Retrieved July 26, 2010, from ProQuest Central. (Document ID: 1948593911).

Íris Barbosa, & Carlos Cabral-Cardoso. (2007). Managing diversity in academic organizations: a

challenge to organizational culture. Women in Management Review, 22(4), 274-288.

Retrieved July 26, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1363537931).

Kezar, A.. (2009). Change in Higher Education: Not Enough, or Too Much? Change, 41(6), 18-

23. Retrieved July 26, 2010, from Research Library. (Document ID: 1962946971).

Nahal, A.. (2009). Tending to Diversity at an HBCU. Diverse Issues in Higher

Education, 26(20), 24. Retrieved July 26, 2010, from Research Library. (Document

ID: 1905520881).

Ray, P.. (2010). A Fresh Approach: Ethnic Diversity On Campuses In America. Journal of

College Teaching and Learning, 7(1), 17-25. Retrieved July 26, 2010, from

ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1963789571).

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