Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Purpose
Introduction to Inclusive Leadership in Organizations examines how leaders formulate complex and effective strategies for equitable policies, practices, and procedures. This course equips students with the framework to develop skills that will allow them to analyze and navigate your current organizations, using past, current, and potential work experiences. The analytical frameworks will help students to understand leadership; the practical experience will help students put that understanding into action.
Inclusive Leadership
In the Inclusive Leadership concentration, you will learn to apply principles of inclusion as a lens to view relationships, processes, and interacting systems. Emphasis is placed on developing leadership competencies for understanding the interacting components of the organization’s systems, applying appropriate ethical frameworks for solving problems, identifying the pro-social and anti-social nature of organizational behaviors, and effectively implementing strategies that create and sustain intercultural awareness. Inclusive leaders espouse pro-diversity beliefs and behaviors; support an organizational culture of belongingness; recognize the unique value of the individual and the collective value of groups, and envision an organizational environment based on morality, impartiality, fairness, and respect. Students will learn fundamental theories of leadership and theories that are relevant to the study of human relations for practical application.
Course Objectives
At the end of the course, students should be able to acquire the following learning objectives:
- To discuss the foundational understandings of various critical social/political issues that hinder inclusive leadership
- To recall how the six signature traits of an inclusive leader aids inclusive leaders effectively and equitably in organizations
- To explain the need to adopt human relations(hips) through inclusive leadership in various leadership capacities (local/global)
- To evaluate ethical decisions within (self, others, teams, or organizations) that could limit one’s ability to implement inclusive leadership Course Expectations
Weekly Learning Experience
This course experience includes core learning activities that are foundational to Inclusive Leadership such as (2) research papers, discussion board interactions, reflective written assignments, and live zoom sessions.
Your contributions and participation are vital to the success of your learning experience. Success in the course requires active participation throughout the week in online activities, as well as thoughtful consideration of the materials provided.
Technical Requirements that may be required to utilize technology in this course:
-
A headset or microphone.
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A webcam.
Course Materials:
Book:
Supplemental Articles:
- Bourke, J., Dillon, B. (2016). The six signatures’ traits of inclusive leadership: Thriving in a diverse new world. Deloitte Insights
- Bourke, J., & Espedido, A. (2019). Why inclusive leaders are good for organizations, and how to become one. Harvard Business Review Online.
- Bourke, J., & Dillon, B. (2018). The diversity and inclusion revolution: Eight powerful truths. Deloitte Review, 22, 82-95.
- Freire, O. (2000). Pedagogy of the oppressed: 30th anniversary edition . New York: Continuum International Publishing Group
- Navigating Inclusion as Leader: Introducing the Inclusive Leadership Compass, (2019). 360 Inclusive Leadership Compass
- Roberson, Q., & Perry, J. L. (2021). Inclusive leadership in thought and action: A thematic analysis. Group & Organization Management,
- Shore, L. M., & Chung, B. G. (2021). Inclusive leadership: How leaders sustain or discourage work group inclusion. Group & Organization Management
- Tapia, A., & Polonskaia, A. (2020). The 5 Disciplines of Inclusive Leaders: Unleashing the Power of All of Us. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
Additional Materials
- Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) (6th edition)
Course Activities Overview
| Activity | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Annotated Bibliography | Research Paper | 150 |
| Discussion Board |
Weekly 7 @ 40 each |
280 |
| Inclusive Leadership Philosophy | Essay | 150 |
| Live (Zoom) Sessions |
Weekly 8 @ 20 each |
160 |
| The Practice of Inclusive Leadership | Research Paper (To be included in Capstone Portfolio) | 250 |
| Critical Reflection Assignment | Essay | 125 |
| Total | 1115 |
Grading Scale (rounding will be applied)
| Points | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 1004-1115 | A |
| 892-1003 | B |
| 781-891 | C |
| 669-780 | D |
| Below 669 | F |
Course Components
Annotated Bibliography
This assignment requires research identifying (10) journal articles, books or book chapters or other reference materials on any aspect of inclusive leadership in other words, what would you like to learn more about that would enhance your inclusive leadership skills? These sources will also inform your Inclusive Leadership Philosophy. Your annotated bibliography must contain sources that will provide a researcher with a base line understanding of the topic as well as a reference point for a specific area, point of view or historical perspective that you are trying to convey.
The Bibliography should contain an opening abstract of no more that 300 words that describes the reference point and the coherent theme in which the citations in the bibliography fit.
All citations must be from peer-reviewed journals or books or book chapters from academic publishing sources. Each bibliographic annotation should be between 150-200 words in paragraph form with content that is both informative and evaluative. (10 pts per annotation) 100pts
Discussion Board
Read discussion board post directions carefully. These posts will vary in length, but they are generally 300 words. In addition to your individual post, you should also comment on 1 other students’ post with critical insight and support (evidence-based replies or peer-review articles). Remember that discussion boards posts can be read by anyone in the class, so consider your audience carefully. Your posts should also be carefully proofread. You will lose points for spelling, grammar, and mechanics mistakes.
Inclusive Leadership Philosophy
This assignment is a personal, creative, expression of self. Your leadership philosophy will build from a specific operating orientation that is determined from the questionnaire.
Live (Zoom) Sessions
There are (8) required one-hour live session built into the course. Cameras should be enabled. A recurring Zoom link will be posted to the Canvas under the “Announcements” tab.
The Practice of Inclusive Leadership
This is a 10 page (min) paper that discusses the role of inclusive leadership in influencing the organizational culture among a diverse global group of employees. Important: This paper will become an artifact in your capstone portfolio.
Critical Reflection
The Critical Reflection is a short essay in which you reflect on your natural leadership style and your emerging knowledge of the Inclusive Leadership philosophy or model of leadership.
Course Policies
Communication
It is my attempt to respond to all messages within 24 hours if received Monday through Thursday, and within 48 hours if received Friday through Sunday.
Late Policy
Thus, deadlines are treated seriously in this class. All assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. on the date of the deadline unless otherwise instructed. Having reliable, alternate sources of technology is highly recommended for timely submissions of assignments. However, if extenuating circumstances develop, I will consider them on a case-by-case basis. Late assignments will need to be approved in advance or otherwise unaccepted.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility PolicyLinks to an external site..
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
OU Fire Safety on Campus Video
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|