WHU

Diversity at WHU

Listen to understand. Treat everybody with equity. Show acceptance and respect.

Cosmopoliteness@WHU

Can we live in a world in which everyone has equal opportunities to take on responsibility in leading roles?

A cosmopolitan sensibility and diversity is one of the core values at WHU.

How do we commit to it? We are curious about other people, cultures, and approaches. We listen to understand. And above all, we treat everybody with equity, show acceptance, and respect.

In her short video, WHU Professor Nadine Kammerlander explains what diversity means to us and how we work to promote diverse and inclusive coexistence.

Gender Equality at WHU – A strategic goal

WHU is committed to fostering gender equality and promoting equal opportunities for all. In fact, achieving the highest levels of equality is one of the school’s strategic goals, one which requires the continued improvement of pre-established policies and procedures, as well as the development of new ones. You can find an overview of the standards currently in place, as well as the school’s goals and action steps for the future, in WHU's Gender Equality Plan. 

Publications

Our knowledge base – Generating thought leadership through research and publications.

WHU is home to an expert faculty whereby professors conduct a diverse range of projects and studies, regularly releasing publications addressing and answering relevant questions on topics such as female leadership in all areas and sectors of management.

Journal of Family Business Strategy

Board diversity in family firms across cultures - a contingency analysis on the effects of gender and tenure diversity on firm performance

Tao-Schuchard, M., Kammerlander, N. (accepted pre-print), in Journal of Family Business Strategy
Academy of Management Learning & Education

Beyond developing leaders - toward a multi-narrative understanding of the value of leadership development programs

Vongswasdi, P., Leroy, H. L., Claeys, J., Anisman-Razin, M., Van Dierendonck, D. (accepted pre-print), in Academy of Management Learning & Education
Industrial Marketing Management

The role of top management teams' functional background diversity in firms' coopetitive behavior

Krieweth, C., Guragata-Balasa, P., Greven, A., Brettel, M. (2024), in Industrial Marketing Management, Vol. 117, pp. 275-287
The Leadership Quartlery

A conceptual replication of ambidextrous leadership theory

Klonek, F., Gerpott, F., Parker, S. K. (2023), in The Leadership Quarterly, Vol. 34 (4)
Journal of Organizational Behavior

Influencing diversity beliefs through a personal testimonial, promotion-focused approach

Vongswasdi, P., Leroy, H., Shemla, M., Hoever, I., Khattab, J. (2023), in Journal of Organizational Behavior, Vol. 44 (1)
Work, Aging and Retirement

Getting ready for the future, is it worth it?

Fasbender, U., Gerpott, F., Dietz, L. (2023), in Work, Aging and Retirement, Vol. 9 (4)
Experimental Economics

When, and why, do teams benefit from self-selection?

Fischer, M., Rilke, R., Yurtoglu, B. (2023), in Experimental Economics, Vol. 26 (4)
Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes

(Don't) mind the gap?

Schweitzer, V. M., Gerpott, F., Rivkin, W., Stollberger, J. (2023), in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Vol. 178
Applied Psychology: an International Review

Why do or don’t older employees seek knowledge from younger colleagues?

Fasbender, U., Gerpott, F. (2022), in Applied Psychology: an International Review, Vol. 71 (4), pp. 1385-1406
Organizational Psychology Review

A conceptual framework of how meeting mindsets shape and are shaped by leader-follower interactions in meetings

Gerpott, F., Kerschreiter, R. (2022), in Organizational Psychology Review, Vol. 12 (2), pp. 107-134
Work, Aging and Retirement

Knowledge transfer between younger and older employees: a temporal social comparison model

Fasbender, U., Gerpott, F. (2022), in Work, Aging and Retirement, Vol. 8 (2), pp. 146–162
Journal of Vocational Behavior

Which female makes it to the top? exploring the gender differences in the role of nuanced personality and psychosocial traits in elite sports career progression

Krause, F., Chan, H. F., Schmidt, S., Schreyer, D., Torgler, B. (2022), in Journal of Vocational Behavior, Vol. 138, 103767
Genkova, P. (ed.), Handbuch Globale Kompetenz: Grundlagen – Herausforderungen – Krisen, Springer

Diversity Management in Organisationen

Gerpott, F. (2021), in Genkova, P. (ed.), Handbuch Globale Kompetenz: Grundlagen – Herausforderungen – Krisen, Springer, pp. 1-12.
Academy of Management Learning & Education

Reaching the heart or the mind? Test of two theory-based training programs to improve interactions between age-diverse coworkers

Burmeister, A., Gerpott, F., Hirschi, A., Scheibe, S., Pak, K., Kooij, D. (2021), Academy of Management Learning & Education, Vol. 20 (2), pp. 203-232.
Journal of Management Studies

Theorizing diversity in management studies: new perspectives and future directions

Post, C., Muzio, D., Sarala, R., Wei, L., Faems, D. (2021), Journal of Management Studies, Vol. 58 (8), pp. 2003-2023.
International Journal of Human Resource Management

Age diversity and learning outcomes in organizational training groups: the role of knowledge sharing and psychological safety

Gerpott, F., Lehmann-Willenbrock, N., Wenzel, R., Voelpel, S. (2021), International Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol. 32 (18), pp. 3777-3804.
Allen, J. A. & Lehmann-Willenbrock, N. & Meinecke, A. L. (eds.), Managing meetings in organizations, Emerald

Intergenerational learning in age-diverse meetings: a social comparison perspective

Gerpott, F., Fasbender, U. (2020), in Allen, J. A. & Lehmann-Willenbrock, N. & Meinecke, A. L. (eds.), Managing meetings in organizations, Emerald, pp. 185-206.
Genkova, P. (ed.), Handbuch Globale Kompetenz : Grundlagen – Herausforderungen – Krisen.

Diversity Management in Organisationen.

Gerpott, F. (2021). In Genkova, P. (ed.), Handbuch Globale Kompetenz : Grundlagen – Herausforderungen – Krisen, Springer. Diversity Management in Organisationen, pp. 1-12
Meinecke, A.L., Allen, J.A., Lehmann-Willenbrock, N. (ed.) Managing Meetings in Organizations

Intergenerational Learning in Age-Diverse Meetings: A Social Comparison Perspective.

Gerpott, F., Fasbender, U.(2020). In Meinecke, A.L., Allen, J.A., Lehmann-Willenbrock, N. (ed.) Managing Meetings in Organizations (Research on Managing Groups and Teams, Vol. 20), Bingley, pp. 185-206
Journal of Family Business Strategy

Board diversity in family firms across cultures - a contingency analysis on the effects of gender and tenure diversity on firm performance

Tao-Schuchard, M., Kammerlander, N. (accepted pre-print), in Journal of Family Business Strategy
Academy of Management Learning & Education

Beyond developing leaders - toward a multi-narrative understanding of the value of leadership development programs

Vongswasdi, P., Leroy, H. L., Claeys, J., Anisman-Razin, M., Van Dierendonck, D. (accepted pre-print), in Academy of Management Learning & Education
Industrial Marketing Management

The role of top management teams' functional background diversity in firms' coopetitive behavior

Krieweth, C., Guragata-Balasa, P., Greven, A., Brettel, M. (2024), in Industrial Marketing Management, Vol. 117, pp. 275-287
The Leadership Quartlery

A conceptual replication of ambidextrous leadership theory

Klonek, F., Gerpott, F., Parker, S. K. (2023), in The Leadership Quarterly, Vol. 34 (4)
Journal of Organizational Behavior

Influencing diversity beliefs through a personal testimonial, promotion-focused approach

Vongswasdi, P., Leroy, H., Shemla, M., Hoever, I., Khattab, J. (2023), in Journal of Organizational Behavior, Vol. 44 (1)
Work, Aging and Retirement

Getting ready for the future, is it worth it?

Fasbender, U., Gerpott, F., Dietz, L. (2023), in Work, Aging and Retirement, Vol. 9 (4)
Experimental Economics

When, and why, do teams benefit from self-selection?

Fischer, M., Rilke, R., Yurtoglu, B. (2023), in Experimental Economics, Vol. 26 (4)
Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes

(Don't) mind the gap?

Schweitzer, V. M., Gerpott, F., Rivkin, W., Stollberger, J. (2023), in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Vol. 178
Applied Psychology: an International Review

Why do or don’t older employees seek knowledge from younger colleagues?

Fasbender, U., Gerpott, F. (2022), in Applied Psychology: an International Review, Vol. 71 (4), pp. 1385-1406
Organizational Psychology Review

A conceptual framework of how meeting mindsets shape and are shaped by leader-follower interactions in meetings

Gerpott, F., Kerschreiter, R. (2022), in Organizational Psychology Review, Vol. 12 (2), pp. 107-134
Work, Aging and Retirement

Knowledge transfer between younger and older employees: a temporal social comparison model

Fasbender, U., Gerpott, F. (2022), in Work, Aging and Retirement, Vol. 8 (2), pp. 146–162
Journal of Vocational Behavior

Which female makes it to the top? exploring the gender differences in the role of nuanced personality and psychosocial traits in elite sports career progression

Krause, F., Chan, H. F., Schmidt, S., Schreyer, D., Torgler, B. (2022), in Journal of Vocational Behavior, Vol. 138, 103767
Genkova, P. (ed.), Handbuch Globale Kompetenz: Grundlagen – Herausforderungen – Krisen, Springer

Diversity Management in Organisationen

Gerpott, F. (2021), in Genkova, P. (ed.), Handbuch Globale Kompetenz: Grundlagen – Herausforderungen – Krisen, Springer, pp. 1-12.
Academy of Management Learning & Education

Reaching the heart or the mind? Test of two theory-based training programs to improve interactions between age-diverse coworkers

Burmeister, A., Gerpott, F., Hirschi, A., Scheibe, S., Pak, K., Kooij, D. (2021), Academy of Management Learning & Education, Vol. 20 (2), pp. 203-232.
Journal of Management Studies

Theorizing diversity in management studies: new perspectives and future directions

Post, C., Muzio, D., Sarala, R., Wei, L., Faems, D. (2021), Journal of Management Studies, Vol. 58 (8), pp. 2003-2023.
International Journal of Human Resource Management

Age diversity and learning outcomes in organizational training groups: the role of knowledge sharing and psychological safety

Gerpott, F., Lehmann-Willenbrock, N., Wenzel, R., Voelpel, S. (2021), International Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol. 32 (18), pp. 3777-3804.
Allen, J. A. & Lehmann-Willenbrock, N. & Meinecke, A. L. (eds.), Managing meetings in organizations, Emerald

Intergenerational learning in age-diverse meetings: a social comparison perspective

Gerpott, F., Fasbender, U. (2020), in Allen, J. A. & Lehmann-Willenbrock, N. & Meinecke, A. L. (eds.), Managing meetings in organizations, Emerald, pp. 185-206.
Genkova, P. (ed.), Handbuch Globale Kompetenz : Grundlagen – Herausforderungen – Krisen.

Diversity Management in Organisationen.

Gerpott, F. (2021). In Genkova, P. (ed.), Handbuch Globale Kompetenz : Grundlagen – Herausforderungen – Krisen, Springer. Diversity Management in Organisationen, pp. 1-12
Meinecke, A.L., Allen, J.A., Lehmann-Willenbrock, N. (ed.) Managing Meetings in Organizations

Intergenerational Learning in Age-Diverse Meetings: A Social Comparison Perspective.

Gerpott, F., Fasbender, U.(2020). In Meinecke, A.L., Allen, J.A., Lehmann-Willenbrock, N. (ed.) Managing Meetings in Organizations (Research on Managing Groups and Teams, Vol. 20), Bingley, pp. 185-206

Insights from Asst. Professor Pisitta Vongswasdi

Diversity Network

Diversity at WHU –
Diversity and equal rights.

Diversity at WHU is a diversity network concerned with bringing diversity-related topics into daily campus life. The group interacts as an intermediary to allow an exchange of personal experiences. 

In the media

Do you need an interview partner for diversity topics?
Get in touch with us!

UmweltDialog, July 15, 2021 | Professor Nadine Kammerlander (WHU Faculty)
Wie gelingt nachhaltige Unternehmenskultur?

Blogorama, June 1, 2021 | Tim Kunde (WHU Alumnus)
Fintech Interview with the Founder and Managing Director at Friendsurance - Tim Kunde

Handelsblatt Online, May 17, 2021 | Professor Nadine Kammerlander (WHU Faculty)
Governance in Familienunternehmen: "Wir haben damals gespürt, dass das Zeitalter der Patriarchen zu Ende geht."

Business Insider Deutschland, May 5, 2021 | Professor Mei Wang (WHU Faculty)
Mehr Frauen in IT-Berufe: Darum lohnt sich ein IT-Job für sie

Haufe, April 13, 2021 | Eva Kohl (WHU Staff)
MBA-Unterricht am Bildschirm statt im Klassenraum

Demographienetzwerk, March 17, 2021 | Professor Fabiola Gerpott (WHU Faculty)
Podcast: Diversität auf dem Weg. Warum wir Autorität virtuell anders erleben als im Büro

Herzog Magazin, March 8, 2021 | Anna Schröder (WHU Student)
Vorbildfunktion: FrauenNachwuchsNetzwerk  

Spotify, January 14, 2021 | Professor Fabiola Gerpott (WHU Faculty)
#11 Prof. Dr. Fabiola Gerpott - Am doppelten Standard gemessen: Wie beeinflussen Gender Bias die Beurteilung von Frauen?

Personalführung, December 7, 2020 | Professor Fabiola Gerpott (WHU Faculty)
Die Mischung macht’s – Wie Vielfalt in der Führung bei der Krisenbewältigung hilft

WHU Knowledge, November 30, 2020 | Professor Fabiola Gerpott (WHU Faculty)
Herz oder Verstand? Altersdiversität richtig managen

Der Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Podcast von BeyondGenderAgenda, June 18, 2020 | Professor Nadine Kammerlander (WHU Faculty)
#10 „Mangelnde Diversität in Deutschlands großen Familienunternehmen“

PR Contact

Contact our PR team –
Get in touch with our experts on diversity topics.

Our public relations department is the interface between the business school and the public. For your interviews, we convey experts who will provide you with qualified information concerning various diversity topics as well as studying at WHU.

Study at WHU

Join a diverse environment – Showing courage and commitment!

In order to fully benefit from the potential of the diverse working environment, we educate our students to be open-minded and unbiased managers. At WHU, both the degree-seeking students and the executive programs participants are being challenged to reflect on their soft and leadership skills, and to work on personal development preparing them for future work in an international and diverse environment.

Scholarships

Diversity is of very high value to WHU. We are convinced that no one who has qualified to study at WHU should be denied a place at our school on the basis of their personal financial situation. For this reason, WHU offers a range of support and financing options under the umbrella of diversity. This ensures that everyone can study at WHU after a successful application process.

This partial scholarship is awarded annually by In Praxi to MSc students from non-EU countries. In the last 10 years a total of 30 persons have been supported. 

As a leading academic institution with a strong DNA in innovation and entrepreneurship, WHU is committed to help close the gender gap in the start-up scene and is launching the WHU Female Founders Scholarship. This scholarship is a unique opportunity for female students in the Master in Entrepreneurship Program who are passionate about entrepreneurship and eager to make an impact in the German and worldwide entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The scholarship is about developing exceptional talent and empowering women to undertake entrepreneurial action. By providing access to both first class education and a unique network, WHU aims to bring the best of female talent and add value to the digital economy. We aspire to grow female leaders not only by providing monetary assistance, but also offering the best tools and personal support to succeed after graduation.

With the WHU Women in Finance scholarship, we want to support young and ambitious women to achieve their goals and to improve the career prospects of women in the finance industry.

Female talents remain underrepresented in the finance sector. By providing a rigorous curriculum that provides the essential knowledge in finance as well as a diverse network, we wish to empower young women and provide them with the skills needed to start a successful career in the finance industry.

The scholarship is awarded on a rolling basis. Each scholarship covers 25% of tuition at WHU.

Download application form

The Global IB Scholarship targets high-performing students studying the IB Diploma from across the globe, and offers them access to WHU with financial support. A total of five scholarships are available for 5 different regions: Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and South America (excluding students with German citizenship). The amount awarded is 20% of the semester fee.

Please note:

  • The number of scholarships is limited - there is no entitlement to a scholarship even if the prerequisites are met (Exception: For BaFöG entitlement or maximum exceeding of the BaFöG assessment limit of EUR 7,670, a partial waiver for German citizens is guaranteed).
  • All documents necessary for the application, in particular the application form for a scholarship and the proof of need, must be submitted by 15 June of the year in which you start your studies at WHU.
  • WHU reserves the right to revoke a scholarship if at any time the student behaves in a way that is incompatible with the value of the school. WHU may also reclaim tuition reductions if the student has made false statements in the application.

Download scholarship application form

WHU is extending its Master of Science portfolio by offering the Master in International Business program. The program will start in September 2021. This program targets candidates holding a Bachelor degree in a business-related field or with a business minor.

Our Master in International Business opens the door to a global mindset needed for a career in management working with international teams. The program blends academic excellence with practical applications, allowing you to explore theory in the context of real-life cases.

Be one of the first 10 students of our new MSc program and  receive the WHU International Business Leaders Scholarship. The scholarships are awarded 'first come, first served'. Together with your study offer, the Admissions Team will inform you on the receipt of the scholarship. The scholarship amounts to 25% of the tuition fees.

The Excellence and Diversity Scholarship is aimed at Non-EU students demonstrating excellent academic merit, who are looking to pursue studies at WHU. This may be combined with other BSc scholarships. Students receive a waiver of the non-EU tuition fees and pay only the EU tuition fees.

The Bachelor Women in Business Scholarship aims to assist qualified women, wishing to study at WHU with additional financial support. The scholarship is awarded to outstanding female applicants, who can demonstrate academic merit and motivation in the field of business. This scholarship is 20% of regular tuition fees per semester. It can be combined with all other scholarships.

WHU MBA Program offers one 50% tuition scholarship to a top female applicant to the MBA Program (Full-Time and Part-Time) per year. The recipient is chosen from all applicants for the WHU Women in Business Scholarship.

The In Praxi Women in Business Scholarship is another scholarship provided by the In Praxi Alumni Association of WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management. It aims at helping excellent female candidates from foreign countries pursue their studies at WHU with financial support, and more generally encourages a larger proportion of female applicants to WHU.

The In Praxi Women in Business Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis. Each scholarship will cover 25% of the tuition at WHU.

All of our In Praxi Women in Business Scholarships have already been awarded for the current intake. We are no longer accepting applications for this scholarship.

The Global Community Scholarship is for high performing students and for those who can demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is open to all EU and non-EU students (excluding students with German citizenship). The amount awarded is 20% of the semester fee.

Please note:

  • The number of scholarships is limited - there is no entitlement to a scholarship even if the prerequisites are met (Exception: For BaFöG entitlement or maximum exceeding of the BaFöG assessment limit of EUR 7,670, a partial waiver for German citizens is guaranteed).
  • All documents necessary for the application, in particular the application form for a scholarship and the proof of need, must be submitted by 15 June of the year in which you start your studies at WHU.
  • WHU reserves the right to revoke a scholarship if at any time the student behaves in a way that is incompatible with the value of the school. WHU may also reclaim tuition reductions if the student has made false statements in the application.

Download scholarship application form

News & Stories

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day

WHU educates many successful businesswomen and female leaders

 
New Insights into Gender Inequality

New Insights into Gender Inequality

Do women and men differ in their brokering behavior? Nir Halevy and WHU Chairholder, Prof. Yuval Kalish explore brokering differences in their new,…

 
WHU Startup Academy Scholarship Winner Marie Schardey

WHU Startup Academy Scholarship Winner Marie Schardey

The Bachelor student receives the first WHU scholarship in cooperation with the student initiative

 

WHU on Female Leadership

As scientific evidence indicates that reaching leadership roles is often more difficult for female high potentials, WHU developed specific initiatives and offers targeted activities that seek to support female future leaders.

Contact

We look forward to hearing from you.
Professor Nadine Kammerlander
Professor Nadine Kammerlander
Associate Dean DEI & Sustainability
WHU