Cultural Diversity in the Workplace

This 8-hour workshop over 4 sessions is designed to explore workplace cultural diversity issues and increase awareness of diversity dynamics. Designed for both employees and managers, this diversity course enhances attendees’ understanding of diversity-related issues and gives them the skills to address issues when they arise.

Counties served by Penn State Scranton are Lackawanna, Wayne, Pike, Binghamton/Susquehanna.

Why should we understand cultural diversity in the workplace?

  • Data USA reports Lackawanna County, PA is home to a population of 211k people, from which 97% are citizens. As of 2019, 10.9% of Lackawanna County, PA residents were born outside of the country (22.9k people).
  • In 2019, there were 14.4 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (179k people) in Lackawanna County, PA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 12.4k White (Hispanic) and 5.91k Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.
  • Data USA reports Wayne County, PA is home to a population of 51.4k people, from which 99.1% are citizens. As of 2019, 4.74% of Wayne County, PA residents were born outside of the country (2.44k people).
  • In 2019, there were 28 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (46.5k people) in Wayne County, PA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.66k White (Hispanic) and 1.49k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.
  • Data USA reports Pike County, PA is home to a population of 55.5k people, from which 98% are citizens. As of 2019, 16.4% of Pike County, PA residents were born outside of the country (9.1k people).
  • In 2019, there were 9.96 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (44.6k people) in Pike County, PA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 4.48k White (Hispanic) and 2.98k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.
  • Data USA reports Susquehanna County, PA is home to a population of 41k people, from which 99.4% are citizens. As of 2019, 2.98% of Susquehanna County, PA residents were born outside of the country (1.22k people).
  • In 2019, there were 77.9 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (39.4k people) in Susquehanna County, PA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 506 White (Hispanic) and 396 Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Course Topics

  • The primary and secondary dimensions of diversity

  • Meeting an organization’s requirement for working with diverse groups

  • Diversity management—ensuring the long-term strength of the organization

  • Improving the essence of a business and bringing access to new segments of the marketplace

  • Building diversity management skills to create a high-performing work environment

  • Improving diversity awareness and knowledge

  • Communicating with people of diverse backgrounds based on understanding cultural norms and practices

  • Providing input into an organization's diversity vision

  • Understanding diversity as a strength in an organization, not as a weakness

  • Making use of the diverse talents of people in work assignments and decision making

  • Resolving diverse work group issues related to impending changes

  • Sharing accountability with diverse groups equitably

  • Understanding the potential opportunities if diversity is well managed, as well as the risks if it is not

Course Scedule

Dates: March 9, 2023 - March 30, 2023
Times: Thursdays, 6 pm - 8 pm
Location: Virtual instructor-led training via Zoom videoconferencing
Cost: $165 per person

Registration information, please contact 570-963-2600 or email [email protected]


Note: The University reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances.