Date of Award
8-2007
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Abstract
Globalization along with demographic changes in American society has made diversity a crucial theme of discussion in higher education. The programs, curriculum, and learning that students encounter in their higher education experiences must prepare them for a world that is comprised of diverse individuals with different perspectives and point of views. However, a review of literature suggested the extent to which the diversity experiences within the business curriculum and co-curriculum impact students' racial, cultural, and diversity understanding remains uncertain. Therefore, the purpose of this survey study was to determine the relationship between business students' diversity experiences within business curriculum and co-curriculum-at a small, rural Midwestern public university-and their openness to diversity. The statistic methods used in this study consisted of bivariate correlation, multiple regression analyses, and multivariate analysis.
The findings indicated that the business students who have been exposed to diversity through courses (e.g., business courses, social courses), worked collaboratively with people from different backgrounds in classroom activities (e.g., group project, classroom discussion, course assignments), and engaged in co-curriculum activities (e.g., service learning, community service, tutoring) showing great openness to diversity. In addition, significant levels of diversity participation were also found among the students who participated in a program or event that includes diversity and multicultural activities for extra-credit and by their or voluntarily participation in these programs.
Taken together, the findings of this study suggest that the students' diversity experiences within curriculum and co-curriculum, particularly with the type of courses taken, working collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, as well as engaging in co-curriculum activities, have significant positive relationship on students' openness to diversity. Most importantly, this study lends support to the calls for a greater inclusion of diversity experiences within the business curriculum and co-curriculum and to the fact that exposure to such experiences has the greatest positive impact on preparing students to work, interact, and lead in a diverse and complex workforce and society.
Recommended Citation
Walker, Marcia R., "The impact of business students' diversity experiences within the business curriculum and co-curriculum on their openness to diversity" (2007). Theses and Dissertations. 7392.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/7392