The use of theater-based training to promote change in a diverse workforce : a case study

Degree Name

MA in International and Intercultural Management

First Advisor

Kenneth Williams

Abstract

This research explored the process through which theater-based training is used to promote and support change in a diverse workforce. A theater-based training company's production process was studied and analyzed. This process includes the following six stages: assessment, preparation, performance, skill development, learning, and outcome. Analyzing each stage assisted in understanding how each individually contributes to creating a workforce that truly values, understands, and appreciates workplace diversity. Data collection sources included transcriptions of interviews, non-participant observation notes, audio-taped recordings of a theater-based training workshop, and archival documents. Analysis of the data revealed five categories of themes: learning, reality, engaging, awareness, and change. While these themes overlap, each contributes to creating a workforce which not only tolerates diversity, but truly values, understands, and appreciates it. The research concluded that in order for theater-based training to be most effective, it is important, not only to bring forth awareness and educate employees on the topic diversity, but to provide them with concrete skills needed to operate more effectively in a diverse workforce. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to those who are seeking alternatives to traditional diversity training and those who are attempting to understand and validate theater-based training as a legitimate, effective, and noteworthy method of training.

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