Open book exam
Diversity 2
Job Prins
2647077
Question 1
Apply the what, why and how of Van Ewijk (2011) to the VU diversity policy as discussed in
the lectures of dr. Marieke Slootman. What characterizes the VU diversity policy, if Slootman
and Van Ewijk are discussed together? Slowly build your argument, do not assume prior
knowledge.
Answer: Anne van Ewijk (2011) gives three ways to make choices to create a framework for
diversity. First of all, she gives the definition of diversity, the what of diversity. In addition,
she mentions the motivation of diversity in organizations, the why. As a third point, Ewijk
gives the diversity policy, the how. In our course, Slootman's lectures extensively discussed
the diversity policy of the VU. These point of Ewijk (2011) are reflected in this policy. She
says in her article that there are three fundamental choices to define diversity. At first, you
make a selection of modes of differentiation. This follows with interpreting these ways
differentiation. As last step, you categorize these ways of differentiation by referring to
differences between groups.
Slootman (2020) describes diversity (what) as the presence of a variety of
perspectives, experiences and styles of people who differ from each other in terms of
ethnicity, cultural background, sex, and a lot more. But, important to take with us is that she
mentions that there is acknowledgement of intersectional character of identities at the VU.
The why is about choices between the focus on individuals or collectives with
diversity policy (Ewijk, 2011). Slootman’s analysis shows that the focus is more on the
individual. She said that the aim of the VU is to have equal chances, feeling of belonging and
little segregation.
How the diversity policy is realized, describes the how. At the VU, the 'how' can be
seen in various initiatives, such as the better prepared programme, small scale learning
environment, implicit bias trainings and mentorships. These policies are meant to obtain the
goals like equal chances and feelings of belonging. For example, the better prepared
programme are meant for students who are at first a bit scared to begin with studying
(Slootman, 2020).
Word count: 297
Diversity 2
Job Prins
2647077
Question 1
Apply the what, why and how of Van Ewijk (2011) to the VU diversity policy as discussed in
the lectures of dr. Marieke Slootman. What characterizes the VU diversity policy, if Slootman
and Van Ewijk are discussed together? Slowly build your argument, do not assume prior
knowledge.
Answer: Anne van Ewijk (2011) gives three ways to make choices to create a framework for
diversity. First of all, she gives the definition of diversity, the what of diversity. In addition,
she mentions the motivation of diversity in organizations, the why. As a third point, Ewijk
gives the diversity policy, the how. In our course, Slootman's lectures extensively discussed
the diversity policy of the VU. These point of Ewijk (2011) are reflected in this policy. She
says in her article that there are three fundamental choices to define diversity. At first, you
make a selection of modes of differentiation. This follows with interpreting these ways
differentiation. As last step, you categorize these ways of differentiation by referring to
differences between groups.
Slootman (2020) describes diversity (what) as the presence of a variety of
perspectives, experiences and styles of people who differ from each other in terms of
ethnicity, cultural background, sex, and a lot more. But, important to take with us is that she
mentions that there is acknowledgement of intersectional character of identities at the VU.
The why is about choices between the focus on individuals or collectives with
diversity policy (Ewijk, 2011). Slootman’s analysis shows that the focus is more on the
individual. She said that the aim of the VU is to have equal chances, feeling of belonging and
little segregation.
How the diversity policy is realized, describes the how. At the VU, the 'how' can be
seen in various initiatives, such as the better prepared programme, small scale learning
environment, implicit bias trainings and mentorships. These policies are meant to obtain the
goals like equal chances and feelings of belonging. For example, the better prepared
programme are meant for students who are at first a bit scared to begin with studying
(Slootman, 2020).
Word count: 297
