Business and Professional Communication Quarterly Mar 2024 Open Access

Courageous Conversations: Preparing Students to Lead in a Politically Polarized Business Environment

Allison Schlobohm University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ; James H. Johnson Flagler College

Abstract

We describe an experimental curriculum innovation that creates a safe space for students to engage in courageous conversations —to openly share diverse thoughts and opinions as well as vigorously debate politically charged issues of critical business importance. Course evaluations and online surveys of student experiences and reactions strongly suggest that the courageous conversation model is an excellent way to prepare the next generation of successful business leaders. In a world where politically polarizing issues embedded in America’s culture wars increasingly impact business viability, profitability, and competitiveness, such leaders are both highly coveted and key to organizational success.

Journal
Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
Published
2024-03-18
DOI
10.1177/23294906241233873
CompPile
Open Access
OA PDF Hybrid
Topics
argument
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