The impact of enhanced student diversity on diversity opinions

ABSTRACT

This study is an evaluation of an MPA program intervention designed to enhance cultural competency by increasing program diversity. The intervention, part of a larger diversity plan, attempted to increase the diversity of the student body by changing the program delivery mode to an internet-assisted synchronous model. The outcomes were measured in several ways including a survey of the current and former students, which addressed attitudes about diversity. The results showed that as credit hours in the program increased so did positive attitudes toward diversity, measured in four ways. Specific recommendations are offered related to diversity, as part of a larger strategic program management framework.

KEYWORDS:

• Cultural competency
• diversity

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jason L. Jensen

Jason L. Jensen is an associate dean and faculty member in the College of Business and Public Administration at the University of North Dakota. He holds a PhD from the Martin School at the University of Kentucky. His research spans several areas of public administration related to decision-making, such as budgeting, regulation, and policy diffusion.

Nikolaus T. Butz

Nikolaus T. Butz is an assistant professor in the School of Business and Economics at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. He holds a BS in business education from Dickinson State University and an MBA and PhD from the University of North Dakota. His research focuses on how technology can be used to improve interpersonal relationships in a variety of organizational contexts, including academic and business settings.