Diversity management and business ethics

Stable values are becoming increasingly important for organizations. Above all, the focus is on a non-discriminatory, fair working environment and objectively ethical business practices.

In today's economy, the focus is no longer solely on key business figures to determine the economic success of a company. Increasingly, intangible factors are also being used for this assessment - for all groups associated with a company, from employees and investors to the (critical) public. One important aspect is integration and diversity management. Diversity means a variety of people and ways of life. The concept emphasizes the recognition and appreciation of all people, regardless of their social, ethnic, etc. background, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. The concept emphasizes the recognition and appreciation of all people regardless of their social, ethnic etc. background, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation or world view, age, physical or mental abilities or other characteristics. Accordingly, these also play no role in a person's reputation and positioning.

Managing diversity issues has therefore also become a key issue for all companies. For example, companies with a diverse top management team are 25 percent more likely to achieve above-average profitability. Diversity is also an indispensable component of employer branding with a view to the younger generations. "Members of Generation Y and Generation Z are specifically looking for fair and diverse employers that adequately consider the interests of employees," says Prof. Dr. Martin Bauer, Head of the Master's degree program in Business Education at the private Allensbach University of Applied Sciences (Constance) and, together with Prof. Dr. Patrick Peters, Vice-Rector for Research and Teaching Material Development, responsible for the new university certificate in "Integration and Diversity Management".

Diversity Management and Intercultural Integration Management modules from the M.A. in Business Education

The university certificate "Integration and diversity management" includes the two modules Diversity Management and Intercultural Integration Management from the M.A. Business Education and aims to qualify participants to competently face the challenges of integration and diversity efforts in their professional or organizational environment. The focus of the certificate course is on acquiring sufficient skills to promote diversity in the world of work in Germany, Switzerland and Austria and to establish this concept as an integral part of all organizations. "Organizations should offer a working environment that is free of prejudice and judgement," emphasizes Martin Bauer.

Another new offering is the "Business and Corporate Ethics" certificate, for which Prof. Dr. Patrick Peters is responsible. "What should I do?" and "How should I act?" are the core questions of ethics and therefore also of business and corporate ethics. However, there are no simple answers to this complex question. "This is why stable approaches are needed in business so that managers can deal with ethical issues in the company and receive support for making moral and responsible decisions and acting responsibly," says Patrick Peters. Participants in the certificate program learn about selected approaches to business and corporate ethics, deal with the fundamental content of philosophical ethics and are ultimately able to classify companies as moral actors and develop approaches to delineate the responsibilities of companies.

"The additional academic training courses are designed to impart important practical skills on a recognized scientific basis. The standard period of study is six months. Participants can extend the duration of their studies by a further six months free of charge and start the certificate course at any time. Admission requirements are vocational training or a first professionally qualifying degree," says University Chancellor Timo Keppler. The university certificates "Integration and Diversity Management" and "Business and Corporate Ethics" can be completed online and without compulsory attendance.