Food For Thought: Dearth of Diversity?
Payal Kaul, MBA 1
Issue date: 3/21/05 Section: Opinions
The title sounds counter-intuitive within the confines of the Ross School of Business. Yet, I beg to differ that there is paucity in the diversity department. Despite a class consisting of 35% international students, over 30% female students, and a well represented cross section within the U.S., there is a pre-selection bias when we place conditions like GMAT scores, required work experience, language proficiency and economic level (not explicitly but is partially dictated by your ability to bear the tuition). Add to this the fact that Michigan attracts students who have a strong interest in building their general management skills. Each admission process is also directed towards determining how perfectly the individual fits in the Michigan mould. With a group that has so many parameters in common, are there any areas where we differ?
Many would argue that the diversity of the countries one belongs to is a great source of the diversity, but is this really valid in a world economy? Work environments can be very similar all over the world, with a majority of us having at some point worked with for a multinational corporation. Thus, I do not see that as being a great distinguisher either. More so, with similar business practices spreading across the world it is getting tougher to find diversity in the learning and experiences of individuals. I agree there are differences in the socio-economic conditions across different countries, yet the influence is questionable in our daily interactions and B-School engagements. This is not to say that we are a bunch of robots with no individuality, but there is definitely a common pool to which we belong and a strong commonality in our thoughts.
Speaking about diversity of thoughts and ideas, the world is shrinking at an alarming rate in this aspect as well. An example of this is the 'googlization' of people. I would not be surprised to find identical individual research sources being turned in by geographically separated students as a result of the all pervading 'google'.
So the true question is: is this something we should be worried about? Maybe this is an indication for us to think about how we can differentiate ourselves, or it may be a point that should be considered when the school is admitting the next class to the B-School? Maybe it is good to have like minded people in the school. I can't imagine working with people who do not share similar feelings about team work, responsibility towards the community, and a sense of purpose in life.
It is an interesting thought to start the welcome wagon for the next class. Let us not extol virtues about the diversity we possess, but instead focus on the oneness in thought and action that is inherent in our ideals. This is what truly sets Michigan apart.
Many would argue that the diversity of the countries one belongs to is a great source of the diversity, but is this really valid in a world economy? Work environments can be very similar all over the world, with a majority of us having at some point worked with for a multinational corporation. Thus, I do not see that as being a great distinguisher either. More so, with similar business practices spreading across the world it is getting tougher to find diversity in the learning and experiences of individuals. I agree there are differences in the socio-economic conditions across different countries, yet the influence is questionable in our daily interactions and B-School engagements. This is not to say that we are a bunch of robots with no individuality, but there is definitely a common pool to which we belong and a strong commonality in our thoughts.
Speaking about diversity of thoughts and ideas, the world is shrinking at an alarming rate in this aspect as well. An example of this is the 'googlization' of people. I would not be surprised to find identical individual research sources being turned in by geographically separated students as a result of the all pervading 'google'.
So the true question is: is this something we should be worried about? Maybe this is an indication for us to think about how we can differentiate ourselves, or it may be a point that should be considered when the school is admitting the next class to the B-School? Maybe it is good to have like minded people in the school. I can't imagine working with people who do not share similar feelings about team work, responsibility towards the community, and a sense of purpose in life.
It is an interesting thought to start the welcome wagon for the next class. Let us not extol virtues about the diversity we possess, but instead focus on the oneness in thought and action that is inherent in our ideals. This is what truly sets Michigan apart.
