Synopsis
This case study explores the lived experiences of three individuals—Idries Kahaar, Jyot Chadha, and Hanafi Talib—who navigate racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity in different national and organizational contexts. Idries Kahaar reflects on his journey as a Muslim in South Africa, grappling with internalized biases and identity crises shaped by apartheid and his personal background. Jyot Chadha shares her experiences as a Sikh in India, highlighting the struggles of religious minorities and the socio-political challenges that reinforce exclusion. Hanafi Talib recounts a critical incident in Iraq while managing a multinational workforce, where a cultural misunderstanding nearly led to violence. These narratives provide rich insights into the dynamics of discrimination, identity negotiation, and intercultural competence in workplaces and society.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
- Analyze the impact of racial, ethnic, and cultural discrimination on individuals and organizations.
- Evaluate strategies for individuals and organizations to foster inclusivity and cross-cultural competence.
- Understand the role of historical and societal factors in shaping workplace diversity challenges.
- Develop leadership strategies to mitigate conflict arising from cultural misunderstandings.
Target Courses and Programs
MBA and Executive Education courses on Leadership and Diversity Management; Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management programs; Intercultural Communication and Global Business courses
Author: Kurt April and Jawad Syed
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