STR445 Human Capital, Mobility and Diversity in Firms (E)

• Topics

  The course provides master’s-level students in business and economics with a deeper conceptual and empirical understanding of (a) how labour markets operate and the role of the input factor labour in firms’ production, and (b) gender differences in labour markets and gender diversity within firms, as well as discussions and policy analyses of selected strategic questions related to diversity in firms. The course emphasises evidence-based policy advice built on empirical descriptive and causal evidence.

  The course material provides training on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on economic and social sustainability, in particular SDGs 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

  The course consists of three parts.

  Part I motivates why firms care about diversity. It defines the concept of diversity within firms, surveys central questions in the corporate world and in the research literature, and reviews major diversity policies.

  Part II develops the conceptual understanding of the operation of labour markets and firm production (i.e., labour demand and labour supply), the input factor labour (i.e., human capital formation), and discriminatory behaviour.

  Part III covers topical issues related to gender diversity and firms. Examples of topics include: diversity policies at the ECB, work-family balance, paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, equal pay for equal work, and gender diversity on boards.

• Learning outcome

  Knowledge

  Upon completion of the course, the student can…

  • explain labor market behaviour in terms of labour demand, labour supply, human capital and discriminatory behaviour
  • discuss strategic human capital decisions, such as recruitment, retention and training, and diversity management decisions
  • review relevant institutions, such as anti-discrimination laws, family policies, gender quotas (internationally and for Norway particularly)
  • explain conceptually and empirically gender differences in labour markets and in firms

  Skills

  Upon completion of the course, the student can…

  • apply academic knowledge and relevant results of research to practical problems, such as recruitment, team building, unconscious bias, and make well-founded choices.
  • engage in discussions of assessing and creating diversity, equity and inclusion workplace programs
  • read, evaluate and refer to information and scholarly subject matter and present it in a manner that sheds light on the problem.
  • select empirical evidence on important questions related to the input factor labour and gender diversity; this includes international statistics as well as evidence from evaluation studies
  • understand, evaluate and refer to information and scholarly subject matter and present it in a manner that sheds light on the problem.

  General competence

  Upon completion of the course, the student can…

  • read and critically interpret empirical evidence that includes descriptive statistics and simple regression analysis output
  • identify relevant professional issues of gender diversity and gender differences in the workplace
  • communicate important subject matters such as models, problems, and solutions, both in writing and orally
  • engage in exchange of opinions and experiences with others with a background in the field, thereby contributing to the development of good practice.

• Teaching

  The course consists of plenary lectures, including one supplementing guest lecture, case discussions in small groups and student presentations.

  The course design encourages active student participation. Discussions of cases and topical issues are part of the course and it is recommend to attend in person.

  To revise course material and train students in applying knowledge to solve situational problems, two written assignments are distributed. Students work in groups and submit their solutions. Students receive feedback by the lecturer and the solutions are presented by students in two workshops. 

• Recommended prerequisites

  Some empirical method course, introduction to regression analysis and more broadly econometrics are an advantage. This course is not a method course but uses empirical evidence from selected research articles.

• Required prerequisites

  None.

• Compulsory Activity

  There are two group-based assignments, each graded as approved or not approved. They consist of context-rich problems with a set of questions, and short cases. These assignments prepare students for the final exam. Group work may be conducted in English or Norwegian.

  Previously acquired course approval is still valid. 

• Assessment

  Individual 4 hours digital school exam where students solve context-rich problems with a set of questions and short cases. The exam can be answered in English or Norwegian.

• Grading Scale

  A - F

• Computer tools

  None.

• Literature

  Main textbook:

  Blau, Francine D. and Anne E. Winkler (2021): The economics of women, men and work, ninth edition, Oxford University Press.

  This will be supplemented with a list of academic, popular science, and case study articles, announced at the start of the course. 

• Permitted Support Material

  Calculator 

  One bilingual dictionary (Category I) 

  All in accordance with Supplementary provisions to the Regulations for Full-time Study Programmes at the Norwegian School of Economics Ch.4 Permitted support material https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/regulations/ and https://www.nhh.no/en/for-students/examinations/examination-support-materials/