Diversity in the Workforce

Book excerpt: Diversity in the Workforce is a comprehensive, integrated teaching resource providing students with the tools and methodologies they need to negotiate effectively the multicultural workplace, and to counter issues of discrimination and privilege. Written from an American perspective, the book not only covers the traditional topics of race, gender, ethnicity and social class, but moves beyond this to explore emerging trends around ‘isms’ (racism, sexism), as well as transgender issues, spirituality, intergenerational workforce tensions, cross-cultural teams, physical appearance stigmatizing, visible and invisible disabilities, and racial harassment. The book: Presents theoretical models to help students think critically about the issues that emerge from workforce diversity Includes a historical perspective that explains the roots of the issues in the workplace today Covers potential legal and ethical issues Introduces a social justice paradigm to encourage social action Illustrates strategies organizations are using to leverage diversity effectively With end of chapter questions encouraging students to engage in difficult conversations, and case studies to stimulate students’ awareness of the real problems and issues that emerge from diversity, this book will help students develop the critical, analytical, problem solving and decision making skills they need to mediate or resolve diversity issues as future professionals.