Invited Speakers

Invited Speakers

 

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Haithem Zourrig

Kent State University, USA

Dr. Haithem Zourrig is an associate professor of marketing at Kent State University. He received his Ph.D. from HEC Montreal in 2010. Dr. Zourrig has extensive international experience. He served as a tenure track faculty at the University of Regina in Canada and IESEG-Paris in France. He served as a visiting professor at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) and Beijing Wuxi University (BWU) in China. His research interests include consumer behavior and cross-cultural studies. Most of his research investigates consumer animosity, consumer revenge, service failure, deception and fraud, and shopping well-being. His research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Business Research, Journal of Service Management, Journal of Consumer Marketing, Academy of Marketing Science Review, and Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services. He received many Best Paper Awards from the Society for Marketing Advances (SMA), the American Society of Business and Behavioral Sciences (ASBBS), and the Association of Collegiate Marketing Educators (ACME). He also received the McGraw-Hill Education Distinguished Award from the Federation of Business Disciplines (FBD) and the 2018 AxcessCapon Teaching Innovation Award.

 

Addressing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenges in Business Education

 

Abstract: Business education plays a critical role in preparing students for the challenges of the professional world. However, there are still significant diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) challenges that need to be addressed within this field. It is important to acknowledge that there is a lack of diversity in business education. There is an underrepresentation of minority groups, including people of color and individuals from low-income backgrounds. This lack of diverse perspectives hinders the ability of business education to provide a well-rounded and inclusive learning experience. To address this issue, business schools and institutions must actively work towards recruiting and retaining faculty members and students from diverse backgrounds. This can be achieved through targeted outreach programs, scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and creating inclusive admissions policies. By actively seeking out diverse talent, business schools can create a more inclusive learning environment that better reflects the real-world challenges students will face in their careers. In addition, curriculum reform is necessary to ensure that DEI principles are integrated into business education. This can be done by incorporating diverse case studies, highlighting success stories of underrepresented groups, and discussing the implications of systemic biases and discrimination in the business world. By exposing students to a wide range of perspectives, business education can equip them with the necessary skills to navigate a multicultural and inclusive workplace. Moreover, fostering a culture of inclusion within business schools is crucial. This requires creating spaces for open dialogue and expressing diverse opinions. Encouraging students to engage in discussions on topics such as unconscious bias, privilege, and social justice will help develop a deep understanding of DEI issues. By actively recruiting diverse faculty and students, reforming curriculum, fostering an inclusive culture, and partnering with organizations that prioritize DEI, business education can better equip students to succeed in the diverse and globalized world of business.