Cultivating gender inclusive leadership in higher education: Insights from a laboratory learning experience

Abstract

Women continue to be underrepresented in managerial and upper echelon roles and the recent pandemic has intensified the barriers they face in their career path. Designing and delivering programs in higher education with the aim to cultivate a diversity and inclusion mindset in young individuals can contribute at narrowing the gender gap in leadership. The present study illustrates an educational program developed by a public University in Italy for masters degree students, with the purpose to stimulate the awareness of the gender equality debate and to provide tools to implement inclusive leadership behaviors and practices in the organizational contexts. The structure and the contents of the program, which has been delivered in a laboratory format, are discussed highlighting the learning approaches proposed, that combine lectures, group work, vicarious learning and conversation with experts. The case offers methodological insights and reflections on the issues that an inclusive leadership program should address.