Use of Guest SpeakersDavid A. Kravitz

August 7, 2015Academy of Management Annual Meeting

PDW: Ramping up our game! How we can do a better job teaching diversity

My Use of Guest Speakers (1)

• Course goals: Increase student knowledge about how organizations manage diversity and about careers in diversity management.

• Learning activity 1: Readings and lecture about research on diversity management.

• Learning activity 2: Two full-class (75-minute) presentations by diversity professionals.– Consultant: Experienced diversity consultant who

values diversity research.– Corporate: CDO or high-ranking manager

My Use of Guest Speakers (2)

• Course goal: Increase student cultural competence• Learning activity overview: Devote one week to each of

five demographic dimensions (R/E, G, SO, R, D).• Learning activity 1: Readings, lecture and discussion.• Learning activity 2: Panels of 2 – 4 guest speakers talk

about the impact of their identity on their life and work experiences and respond to student questions.– Speakers represent low-power groups for each dimension.– Speakers are diverse on other dimensions and we address the

issue of intersectionality.– Common student reaction: “Best part of the course.”

Ethical Issues

• Some people argue that members of low-power groups should not be held responsible for educating others about their group. This might imply that guest speakers should never be used for cultural competence training.

• If used, guest speakers should be treated as partners in the educational process, not as “objects.”

Finding Possible Guest Speakers

• Can be challenging.• Personal networks.• Recommendations of past students, perhaps as

part of an assignment.• Relevant campus and community groups.• Your school development office might be happy

to introduce you to potential donors they are courting.

• Other suggestions?

Vetting Guest Speakers

• Not everyone can fill the role successfully.• Should have enough experience to have something

to say.• Should be insightful regarding the impact of their

demographic identity on their view of the world and how others treat them.

• Must be articulate – able to express their insights.• Must be very open – comfortable with sharing

personal information.• There will be “failures.”

Providing Guidance

• Guest speakers are educational partners.• Must let them present their own position – do not

put words in their mouths.• Provide information about your goals for the

course and the specific class.• Provide assigned readings and your slides.• Encourage personal stories – powerful vehicles

for learning.

Some Specifics

• For some groups, you can assume your students have a basic understanding and can focus on the impact of group membership on the speaker’s life.– Race, gender (women)

• For other dimensions, the typical level of student ignorance may require speakers to begin with definitional information before turning to impact.– Transgender, gay, religion, disability

Care & Feeding of Guests

• Using guest speakers is more time consuming than is preparing lectures.– Must find them.– Before class, must communicate with them about

their role and operational issues.– May need to provide parking passes, meals, guest

gifts, etc. – After class, should send a “thank you” email. I also

have students sign multilingual cards.• https://www.cardsforcauses.com/

Closing – Depending on Time

• Questions and suggestions?

• Group work– Each table can discuss their past or desired

future use of guest speakers.• What have you done?• What problems have you encountered?• What has worked well?