7.5 Teaching Notes
Winifred Athembo; Brianna Doyle; Nikhil Garg; Gursimrat Gill; Thalin Htun; Richa Kabaria; Sarah Kulewksa; Celine Wai Shan Li; Deirdre Maultsaid; Simrenprit Parmar; and Lesli Sangha
Note to teachers
This scenario deals with sensitive and controversial issues. Discussions may be upsetting for some students. Please provide context and background information about discrimination and harassment at work, especially information that challenges common assumptions. This background information will help prepare students for a robust but respectful discussion. Please see the background information above and the bibliography below or seek other sources from your own diversity and inclusion specialists, anti-racist advisors, or educational supports.
What will students discuss?
As relevant to course learning outcomes, students will discuss any of the following:
- bias, racism, stereotyping
- diversity, equity and inclusion, belonging, justice, dignity, human rights
- cross-cultural communication
- bystander behaviours
- language barriers
- work anxiety and stress
- immigration/refugee processes
- professionalism, organizational development, leadership
- human resources
- hiring practices
- supervision
- workplace culture
- humour at work
- factory work
- medium-sized businesses
- policy making and enforcement
- employer obligations
- internal communication, organizational culture
- approaches to decision making
- other relevant topics
- Students may argue that Dani should formally complain to the manager and argue for the benefit of doing so.
- Students may argue that the manager should organize more social events where everyone is included and explain how this will help the situation.
- Students may argue that it is the responsibility of the employer to implement workplace harassment policies and suggest ways these policies and strategies could be implemented.
- Students may argue that it is the responsibility of the employer to implement more formal mentorship strategies, to clearly outline roles and responsibilities and also to suggest ways these policies and strategies could be implemented.
- Students may choose to argue that it is not the responsibility of other employees to orient new employees or help them fit in to the established workplace culture.
- Other ideas.
