XCPD-454 Resistance and Renewal: Managing the D&I Change Initiative

This course builds on the concepts, frameworks, and tools covered in preceding courses (e.g. systems thinking) but focuses on embedded cultural and group dynamics influencing change. Participants will review best practices and current research on global diversity and inclusion as a way to understand and recognize the role of resistance and conflict in the D&I change management process. It will also explore ways in which stalled or flagging D&I initiatives might be infused with new energy and revitalized.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, successful students will be able to:

• Provide an understanding of the role that resistance plays in all change initiatives, particularly those dealing with issues of difference.
• Explore strategies for successful recruitment and retention of diverse talent.
• Understand how organizations can get “stuck” when implementing diversity and inclusion strategies and explore what it takes to reset and re-engage.
• Differentiate between common, but often misunderstood, terms in the diversity and inclusion field.