Inclusivity and Diversity: A Systematic Review of Strategies Employed in the Higher Education Marketing Discipline

Abstract

This paper reports on a systematic review into inclusivity and diversity in the higher education marketing discipline. Thirty-one studies met the inclusion criteria and are analyzed to identify the inclusion and diversity identities that have been studied, synthesize strategies that have been identified as successful in supporting inclusion and diversity in the classroom and propose a future research agenda to further scholarly understanding within the marketing discipline. The findings suggest that most prior studies have focused on cultural diversity or diversity in general, and the strategies identified as effective were (a) utilizing technology to support inclusion and diversity, (b) developing curriculum that takes into consideration the diverse society we live in, (c) integrating projects into curriculum that are focused on diversity and inclusion, and (d) considering extra-curricular activities to deepen students’ inclusivity and diversity skills.

Contemporary Issues in Higher Education: Diversity, Inclusion, Management and Governance

“…A higher learning institution benefits if it has policies on diversity and inclusion because diversity promotes new perspectives through having a wide range of people with different expertise, views, backgrounds and experiences (Davis, 2022). Diversity and inclusion are contemporary issues in the higher education system when it comes to the actual teaching and learning process including the staffing processes (Riedel et al, 2023). When it comes to the actual teaching diversity is an issue because this means presenting concepts in different modes whilst encouraging a culture of reflection and thoughtful discussions.…”

Documenting and analyzing the relevance of Universal Design for Learning in developing inclusive provisions for culturally diverse learners in online pedagogy

“…While the dominant neoliberal discourse in higher education has to date prioritized business model approaches, productivity and efficiency, and priorities of the majority, it is clear that in the highly competitive current postsecondary market, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) have begun to be seen no longer as concerns of a marginalized minority, but as major branding features for institutions that increasingly have to position themselves attractively to a broad range of learners (Wolbring & Nguyen, 2023). In this sense, EDI has become a focus, not just in terms of social justice and fair governance, but more importantly in relation to economic growth, sustainable development, and market share (Riedel et al, 2023). This means that the search for best practices in terms of inclusion for diverse leaners is no longer perceived as just a pedagogical priority for instructors; it is now a market priority for senior administration.…”