The Role of Theoretical Groundings in Diversity Training: A Mixed Methods Case Study of a University Diversity Conference
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: With over $200 million in annual spending by American organizations on diversity training, diversity conferences are increasingly becoming vehicles for information exchange and discussion on best practices in terms of diversity issues.Despite the substantial allocation to diversity training and diversity programs, there remains a gap in identifying where theoretical groundings fit in the dynamic of diversity, and particularly in the development and implementation of diversity training.This case study was an investigation into the roles theoretical groundings played in diversity training, particularly during the design, development and implementation of a university diversity conference.Using a mixed methods approach, the research compared and contrasted theoretical groundings that diversity practitioners valued in a personal and professional capacity with the proposals they submitted to present at a diversity conference.Contexts from multiple perspectives -the university itself, the socio-cultural milieu of the university, the region and the country, and a dichotomy between personal and professional beliefs held significant influence on this diversity conference, and what types of sessions were accepted and presented at the event.This study affirmed that diversity consists of numerous layers, and involves many actors -practitioners, organizations, participants and researchers.This myriad of components and elements corresponds to different implications for different points of view, but focuses on how the role of theoretical groundings in diversity training bridges the gap between the theory and practice.In 2010, when I began my journey into this doctoral program, I jokingly said to my sister, Yvie, when she asked me why I was doing this, "Because I am an accidental tourist in my own life."Many who have taken a similar path often claim that they could not have achieved their degree without the help of others.I completely agree.To those of whom I am sincerely grateful for joining me on this accidental tour: My doctoral committee, also known as my academic dream team -Team Gacasan -for this adventure would have not been existent without them.Dr. Holly Johnson, Chair.You were the calm to my storm.Thank you so much for your guidance, and knowing when to pull me back when I needed to, and for encouraging me to go full-throttle when it was time.I could not be more appreciative and thankful for your wisdom.Dr. Vicki Plano Clark, Committee Member.You saw in me the researcher that I could not see.Thank you for patiently waiting for me to arrive at my own realizations, and cheering during a-ha moments, which you already knew were there!I am indebted to your contribution in my growth as a
Author: Karla A Gacasan
Institution: University of Cincinnati
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W380081465