Research shows that excellence grows out of synthesis across difference. Even so, many faculty meetings are shaped by who feels comfortable speaking, who holds rank, and how we handle disagreement. This course, part of our Shared Governance series, looks at what the research says and what gets in the way.

You’ll look at evidence on how diverse perspectives improve complex problem-solving, including Scott Page’s work on the “diversity bonus,” Katherine Phillips’s research on why diverse teams feel harder but perform better, and Julien Bourrelle’s idea of cultural glasses. You’ll also see data from Kardia Group programs on cultural diversity and on how comfortable faculty feel interacting across academic rank. Then you’ll turn to practical strategies: reducing structural barriers to participation, using the Thomas-Kilmann conflict modes to get to better conflict, and noticing where you may be holding back.