In a diverse working environment, there will be different viewpoints, attitudes and perspectives on various situations that may arise within an academic community.

It can help leaders and employees become familiar with how colleagues might react to/handle different working environment situations. It will also help leaders, both with and without HR responsibilities, to be prepared for how to handle a particular situation and to have considered other perspectives before facing it themselves, enabling them to respond quickly and resolve an uncomfortable situation in the best possible way.

This applies to microaggressions, humorous remarks, or power dynamics. We have therefore prepared some hypothetical reflection cases to explore how people would approach a particular situation. The cases are fictional but based on empirical research from academic communities in Norway.

We recommend that the cases be used within research groups/departmental settings to encourage group discussion and reflection. We have created suggested cases based on research that are ready to use, but we also encourage people to develop their own cases based on the local situation.

Allowing groups to discuss these types of hypothetical cases offers several possibilities. 

Case 1

In a meeting, a professor is asked to talk about an academic conference they have just attended with a PhD research fellow, where the research fellow gave a presentation. The professor talks extensively about their own contribution and experience, without mentioning the PhD research fellow. The PhD research fellow is in the room, but remains silent.

Discussion questions:

• How would you describe this situation?
• What consequences can this have?

Case 2

A colleague made the following comment: “I have nothing against people who are queer, as long as they keep it to themselves, but I don’t understand this ‘trans thing’. I think it’s just a trend, or they’re confused.” What they do not know is that someone in the room has a non-traditional gender identity, which they keep hidden while at work.

Discussion questions:

• What is going on in this situation?
• What are the different perspectives that are relevant in this situation?
• What consequences can this have?

Case 3

A male international researcher, who is very good at securing external funding and has several PhD research fellows and post doctoral fellows linked to his projects, repeatedly makes derogatory comments about women in academia. This has made several female PhD research fellows and post doctoral fellows uncomfortable, negatively affecting both their progress and the working environment.

Discussion questions:

• What is going on here? How would you describe this situation?
• What could have been done to make it turn out differently?
• What do you think will happen next?
• What consequences can this have?

Case 4

During a meeting for the entire department, someone from the faculty has been asked to come and explain a new administrative system. This is a topic that is relevant to all employees. When the meeting begins, it becomes clear that those giving the presentation have prepared it in Norwegian, even though several employees at the department do not speak Norwegian. When asked, they say they are not comfortable giving the presentation spontaneously in English.

Discussion questions:

• How would you describe this situation?
• What are the different perspectives on what is happening in this situation?
• What consequences can this have?

Case 5

In a research group meeting, the chairperson asks for input on an issue. Someone from a minority group makes a suggestion, which is not picked up. A little later, another person puts forward the same suggestion, phrased slightly differently, and the proposal is then taken up.

Discussion questions:

• What has happened here?
• What would you do if you were in this situation?

Case 6

A Muslim colleague has brought their lunch to the common lunchroom. An older colleague makes a joke: “Are you eating during the day – isn’t it Ramadan? Shame on you.” There is an awkward silence in the room. The colleague smiles but does not say anything else.

Discussion questions:

• How do you interpret this situation?
• What are the different perspectives on what is happening?
• What consequences can this have?

Case 7

An department meeting is being held with the agenda in English. A colleague speaks up and talks in Norwegian, and the discussion then continues in Norwegian. You notice that the colleague who is not very confident speaking Norwegian becomes quiet and does not participate in the discussion.

Discussion questions:

• What is the focus of what is happening?
• What do you think will happen next?
• What are some strategies for those attending the meeting?