"Diversity in Classroom & Workforce Diversity - Learning impact and its influence in corporate living"

In this 21st century, global economy is undergoing a major revolution as an outcome of advancements in transportation and telecommunications technologies. We are on the verge of a world in which cross-border trade and investment barriers are crumbling and the perceived distance is shrinking. In a nutshell, the process of globalization transforms the world into a global village. India as a nation is recognized as one of the world's significant economic drivers in this interdependent global economy.

Several global corporate and industries visit to investigate the possibilities to set up their operations centres in Indian soil. Organizations thrive to hire efficient staffs who are capable of handling competitive atmospheres in order to survive in the hyper-competitive world. Employing an inclusive workforce is now indispensable for every organization.

A cordial interpersonal relationship among employees would be a crucial component for any organization's optimum functioning. Some people may find it difficult to work with others who are culturally different in terms of age, race, gender, personal beliefs, and values at the forefront of their career.

The implication of ‘unity in diversity is impossible to grasp or comprehend in a single night. It is an inherent characteristic that should be fostered across all the participants through their academic career.

In notion to the above context, when students are exposed to various intercultural communications, having a diverse classroom culture helps them acquire compassion and a sense of security. It also teaches students about various cultural backgrounds, therefore encouraging them to be inter-culturally viable.

‘Unity in Diversity’ - A mandatory component

Developing a culturally responsive approach in education institutions enriches all students, and it is critical to creating inclusiveness and consciousness around intercultural competence.

Intercultural awareness and inclusion enable students to thrive by allowing them to interact with people from all cultures and backgrounds. It also promotes tolerance and assists students to prepare for a world that is growing increasingly diverse.

Internationally aligned and focus-oriented management institutions like ISBR as one of the top business schools in India, believe in ‘unity in diversity in the classroom since they carry out culturally responsive teaching strategies. It is accomplished through the use of technology that connects students to foreign expertise and cultures, and by having an international campus community that creates a multicultural and diverse learning environment.

Reinforcing diversity in classrooms and diversity in the workforce benefits the students in the future by encouraging them to be more empathetic and it facilitates their transition towards corporate careers.

Therefore, students gain more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter when they work and learn with people from various origins and cultures in the classroom. It also teaches students how to collaborate in a multi-generational workforce by leveraging their own strengths and perspectives.

It also inherently helps students to be more open-minded later in life by exposing them to varied range of opinions, thoughts, and cultural backgrounds. When students connect with a larger spectrum of social networks, they feel much more confident and secure.

In the midst of globalization, the ability to collaborate with people from many cultures and social groups has become increasingly vital. It prepares students for workplace success when they are exposed to multiculturalism and acquire cultural competency in the classroom atmosphere.

Education institutions must demonstrate that the classroom environment and the curriculum are receptive to our society's expanding cultural diversity.

Addressing differences enriches the learning process reassuring that in multicultural environments, students tend to accomplish more and work faster, smarter and harder.

It also promotes creativity in the interpretation and application of knowledge among diverse team members, resulting in collaborative learning. Bringing together a diversified bunch of students could aid with critical thinking and problem-solving, especially when applied to real-world business challenges.

To sum up, recruiting students with global mindset has become imperative. Corporate recruiters hunt for students who are versatile and open-minded who deal with diverse cultures or have the knowledge on how global markets operate.

Students should be prepared for entering the workforce and function in an increasingly globalized environment at all levels of their development. It is inevitable that education takes into account the challenges of working in diverse organizations, communities, companies and even nations.

About the author

The article has been written by Dr. Y Lakshman Kumar, Director-Academics, ISBR Business School.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha