Identification of the Elements of a Workplace Curriculum Model Based on a Multicultural Approach
Keywords:
Workplace curriculum, multicultural approach, organizational training, cultural diversity, organizational behavior, educational justiceAbstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify and conceptualize the elements of a workplace curriculum model based on a multicultural approach within organizations in Tehran.
Methodology: This qualitative study employed thematic analysis to explore the components of a multicultural workplace curriculum model. Participants were purposefully selected and included human resource managers, organizational training designers, curriculum specialists, and employees with experience in multicultural workplaces in Tehran. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and transcribed verbatim. The analysis followed systematic stages of open, axial, and selective coding. Credibility was enhanced through member checking and peer review procedures.
Findings: The analysis led to the identification of nine core elements: multicultural philosophical and value orientation, multi-level learning objectives, flexible and contextualized content, interactive teaching–learning strategies, inclusive learning climate, the trainer as cultural facilitator, multidimensional and equitable assessment, supportive organizational policies and structures, and organizational outcomes. The findings suggest that these elements operate within an integrated and multi-layered system, where alignment among values, curriculum design, and institutional structures is essential for effective implementation.
Conclusion: The proposed model demonstrates that a multicultural workplace curriculum requires the reconceptualization of objectives, content, pedagogy, and organizational mechanisms within a framework of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and it holds potential to enhance team cohesion, reduce cultural conflicts, and improve organizational productivity.
Downloads
References
Aboutalebi, N., Saffarian Hamedani, S., Taghvaee Yazdi, m., & Tajari, T. (2023). Presenting the Workplace Curriculum Model with a Futurology Approach in the Iran's Higher Education System. Iranian Journal of Educational Society, 8(2), 296-310. https://doi.org/10.22034/ijes.2023.708216
Baldan Babayiğit, B., Sever, D., ÇAm AktaŞ, B., KİP KayabaŞ, B., ŞEnel, E. A., & GÜVen, M. (2025). Professional Development for Multicultural Education: Lessons from a Blended In-Service Teacher Training Programme. Teaching and Teacher Education, 165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2025.105151
Belfiore ،, M. (1996). Understanding Curriculum Development in the Workplace. A Resource for Educators. ABC Canada. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED409421
Bezi, A., Fakoori, H., Bayani, A. A., & Saemi, H. (2024). Design and Validation of an Environmental Education Curriculum Model for Higher Education Based on the "Aker" Approach [Research Article]. Iranian Journal of Educational Sociology, 7(1), 79-90. https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.ijes.7.1.8
Chen, P., Clark, M., Sharma, M., Troya, Y., Cenzer, I., & Rivera, J. (2021). A longitudinal workplace-based interprofessional curriculum for graduate learners in a geriatrics patient-centered medical home. Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice, 24, 100459. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xjep.2021.100459
Corlateanu, A. (2023). Multiculturalism and Cross-Cultural Competence in the Military Organization. International Conference Knowledge-Based Organization,
Doosti Hajiali Abadi, H., Fathi Vajargah, K., Khorasani, A., & Safaei Mohammadi, S. (2017). Conceptualizing the Discourse of Workplace Curriculum: An Emerging or Overlooked Discourse? Journal of Curriculum Planning Research, 13(2). https://sid.ir/paper/127542/fa
Esmaeili, M., Rahmati, S., & Bani-Eqbal, A. (2025). Studying the impact of multicultural education programs on reducing discrimination and increasing educational justice among students. Second National Conference on Humanities with a New Approach and First International Research Conference on Modern Educators, Astara.
Farzadenia, F. (2016). Designing a Workplace Curriculum Model with a Competency-Based Approach for Training and Development of Project Managers (Case Study in Pars Oil and Gas Company) Kharazmi University]. https://elmnet.ir/article/11185711-41142/
Ghahremani Souldaragh, M., Kia-Kojouri, D., Taghipourian, M. J., & Alizadeh, R. (2024). Designing the Internal Relationships Between Dimensions of Multicultural Organizational Behavior in Governmental Organizations. Individual Development and Organizational Transformation, 2(4), 19-30. https://doi.org/10.61838/kman.jpdot.2.4.2
Green, D. N. (2024). Organizational Behavior and Multicultural Strategies in Healthcare Organizations. Health Economics and Management Review(3). https://doi.org/10.61093/hem.2024.3-04
Ieng Lai, K., Fong, P., & Meng, L. (2025). Cross-sectional Study Reveals Moderate Professional Benefits Among Nurses in a Multicultural Healthcare System. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care, Organization, Provision, and Financing, 62, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/00469580251316966
Matsuno, S., Drewry, C., Hicks, A., & Inskip, C. (2024). How could the Library and Information Studies curriculum better prepare graduates to address equity, diversity and inclusion issues in their workplace? Journal of Information Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/01655515241245960
Mehmandoust Ghomseri, Z. S., Fathi Vajargah, K., Khorasani, A., & Safaei Mohammadi, S. (2020). Designing a Workplace Curriculum Model: A Synthesis Study. Theory and Practice in Curriculum Studies. https://www.jcstpicsa.ir/article_190629_083cf3045cb9cc69b453369e9ff72845.pdf
Pakdaman, F., Davai, M., Khosravi Babadi, A. A., & Rezazadeh, H. (2022). Investigating the Place of Multicultural Components in Formal Curricula (Case Study: Iran's First Middle School Social Studies Textbook). Journal of Management and Leadership in Educational Organizations, 2(3), 93-106. https://en.civilica.com/doc/1589595/
Ritter, B., Small, E. E., Mortimer, J., & Doll, J. L. (2017). Designing Management Curriculum for Workplace Readiness: Developing Students’ Soft Skills. Organizational Behavior Teaching Review, 42(1), 80-103. https://doi.org/10.1177/1052562917703679
Safaei Mohammadi, S. (2018). A Model for Workplace Curriculum Based on Heutagogy Approach. Journal of Curriculum Studies in Iran, 12(51), 5-26. https://www.jcsicsa.ir/article_85704.html
Shakibaei, D., Iranpanah, A., Ahui, N., & Faghirzehi Motlagh, O. (2025). Multicultural education and its impact on peaceful coexistence in schools. 20th National Conference on Law, Social Sciences and Humanities, Psychology and Counseling, Shirvan.
Zulkarnain, Z., Ulinnuha, R., & Abdullah, R. (2024). Social Inclusion as a Challenge of Multiculturalism in Germany: A Study on Muslim Minorities. Alfuad Jurnal Sosial Keagamaan, 8(2), 135. https://doi.org/10.31958/jsk.v8i2.12052
Downloads
Published
Submitted
Revised
Accepted
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Solmaz Arimi (Author); Seyedeh Esmat Rasouli; Ladan Salimi (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.