Here’s why it’s important to embrace cultural diversity in a management classroom

There are considerable benefits to peer diversity, especially in the management classroom. Any college that promotes diversity is giving its students an important lesson: how to work and sustain in an environment where every individual is unique. In a largely fragmented society, being able to connect with peers, neighbours, and co-workers with diverse abilities and backgrounds is invaluable. Diversity not only improves critical-thinking skills but also encourages students to view the world differently and builds empathy.

Take for instance an institute like IMI Bhubaneshwar, where the emphasis is on effectively addressing as well as embracing the realities that come with learning and studying in a diverse business school, community, and country. Not only that, but there are several other reasons for promoting diversity in the management classroom:

Improves academic results

Diversity, when practised in the classroom doesn’t just improve social skills but also makes an impact on academic results. It also helps in encouraging academic confidence and improving critical thinking skills. Strategically planned diversity lessons enable depth of knowledge and give teachers and students exposure to historical figures, new cultures, and alternative text. Therefore students in racially and socio-economically diverse b-schools have stronger academic achievement as compared to students in schools where there are more participants from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Prepares students for a global economy

Many companies and businesses around the world are operating on an international scale. Inculcating diversity lessons makes the students globally ready by exposing them to people from different social groups and cultures. With the rise of globalization, it is essential for students to be able to harmoniously work alongside diverse groups of people. This diversity also consists of the teaching staff. Having professors and staff members of diverse backgrounds upholds students’ cultural identities and improves the learning environment.

Reduces prejudice and instils empathy

When students attend colleges in racially isolated environments, they develop prejudices. However, being aware of diversity helps to counter discriminatory stereotypes. By understanding various social groups and cultures, students learn to make connections from their own lives with the lives of their peers. Plus, the practice of diversity increases cultural competence, which, in a way, allows students to be empathetic towards others.

Fosters creativity

Diverse classrooms facilitate creativity and encourage problem-solving. Also, it’s amidst a diverse classroom that students bring many perspectives that drive their peers to collaborate and think creatively to find an appropriate solution for their group. When students are given the chance to work alongside peers from different backgrounds, or with topics that establish diversity, they are better able to confront stereotypes and identify similarities with their classmates.

The bonus of classroom diversity is both academic as well as socioemotional. Giving students exposure to diverse learning opportunities leaves a profound impact on their development and a positive effect on society!