Diversity and Inclusion in the Board Room

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Diversity and inclusion are becoming more and more common in boardrooms executive suites and C-suites around the world. They’ve gone from being mere words or promises to becoming a reality.

While these discussions are centered on the company, it’s important to remember that the decisions made in these meetings affect everyone involved, from the employees of the company, to the shareholders who own the shares, and even the economy. These meetings are highly structured, and follow an established set of rules and protocols (such as Robert’s Rules of Order).

Boardrooms are typically designed for a smaller group displaying data in digital form of people, generally seating 8 to 20 people around a central table that facilitates face-to-face discussion and helps to create the feeling of unity. The best furniture and equipment, such as advanced audiovisual systems and teleconferencing options assist in creating the ideal environment for productive collaboration.

Discussion boards are an effective method of engaging students in discussions that extend beyond the classroom and help students understand how other perspectives are connected to the learning experience in the classroom. Instructors may begin by asking icebreakers to help students get familiar with the responses of their peers. For instance, Speer at Wichita State asks her students to introduce themselves by creating an emoji chain that describe their personalities and passions. Students read the answers of their peers and then reply. Students are encouraged to be attentive to the whole discussion when you write a summary of your discussion and highlight key themes and ideas.