Dear Colleagues,
We are writing to invite you to the Caucus, Exploring the Intersection of Diversity & Organization Change: Group Dynamics as a Way Forward at the 2016 Annual Academy of Management conference in Anaheim, California. The session is scheduled for Monday, August 8, 1:15-2:45pm, at the Anaheim Marriott in Grand Ballroom Salon F.
We are interested in bringing together scholars and practitioners to consider how framing diversity and inclusion as a systemic organization change issue, specifically from a group dynamics perspective, could make a difference in organizational life. Bringing a group dynamics perspective and examining dynamics beneath the surface related to diversity and inclusion means that important power disparities and social defenses employed by organizations may be exposed. Such discoveries could be risky for all involved and may inhibit individuals, teams, and organizations from uncovering dynamics that maintain the status quo and halt new ways of leading organization change.
Our goal in this caucus is to create a space for dialogue that leads to future collaborations among scholars and practitioners interested in examining these issues. We will generate possible topics for exploration and have participants convene based on their interests and experience. A gallery walk, in which groups report back themes on flip charts to the larger group, will enable shared learning across groups as well as create a networking opportunity. We will use what we learn in the session to provide a structure for this group to stay connected virtually post-AOM, establishing a community of scholars who are committed to understanding the systemic forces at play when working with diversity issues in organizations.
We hope you'll join us!
Debra Noumair and Caryn Block
Teachers College, Columbia University