This course equips future leaders to more effectively understand, navigate, and make informed decisions around issues of difference and inequality within organizations. Grounded in social science and organizational theory, it examines how structural factors - such as law, institutional norms, and cultural context - shape workplace dynamics and influence relationships with key stakeholders. We will explore how organizational design and human resource practices impact career trajectories and day-to-day experiences at work. Key topics include designing equitable hiring and evaluation systems, managing organizational responses to social movements, leading change, and understanding how diversity and inclusion metrics are constructed and deployed. With an emphasis on context, we will analyze how these dynamics vary across industries, geographies, and organizational forms. The course combines case studies, interactive exercises, and guest speakers.
3 units · GSB Letter Graded
This course equips future leaders to more effectively understand, navigate, and make informed decisions around issues of difference and inequality within organizations. Grounded in social science and organizational theory, it examines how structural factors - such as law, institutional norms, and cultural context - shape workplace dynamics and influence relationships with key stakeholders. We will explore how organizational design and human resource practices impact career trajectories and day-to-day experiences at work. Key topics include designing equitable hiring and evaluation systems, managing organizational responses to social movements, leading change, and understanding how diversity and inclusion metrics are constructed and deployed. With an emphasis on context, we will analyze how these dynamics vary across industries, geographies, and organizational forms. The course combines case studies, interactive exercises, and guest speakers.
Offered in Spring 2027 at Stanford University.