Twentieth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

As university graduates enter into a rapidly changing workforce with myriad fluctuating conditions, there is an ostensible need for leadership skills, cross-cultural understanding, and diversity competence. The sport industry in particular is characterised by rapidly shifting conditions, ranging from growing global market competition to provision of sport for diverse population groups. To prepare university graduates to be innovative, successful, and respected leaders in a variety of organisations, it is essential that educators ensure they develop critical and ethical thinking abilities. A pivotal element of this is awareness and understanding of diversity. Given the known benefits of diversity and the increasing heterogeneous nature of the workforce today, understanding diversity is not only desirable, but essential for optimal functioning across all industries. This current study applies a constructivist approach to teaching by embedding diversity content into sport management curricula and examining the usefulness of experiential learning in developing diversity-related leadership skills. Focus is on Australian Indigenous and cross-cultural understanding; equal opportunity; awareness and knowledge of physical disabilities. The purpose of this is to better understand how we, as educators, can better prepare future leaders in the contemporary sport industry.