Voices of Diversity: Real People Talk About Problems and Solutions in a Workplace Where Everyone Is Not Alike

Rating:
Summary: Fine Combination of Information and How To
Review: As interested in diversity management as I am, I find much of the written material a bit dry and academic. Perhaps writers compensate for the strong feelings that this work brings up by trying to create some sense of distance. In any case, there is a real lack of simple, down to earth texts that are both effective and easy to assimilate. "Voices of Diversity" is the exception to all of this. As the subtitle indicates, the material in the book is based on the content of interviews and discussions with many individuals, and the vitality of their expression permeates the entire work.

The book starts out with some generic introductory material and then starts to go through the interview findings in a straightforward, group by group fashion. There are seperate chapters on African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Latinos, recent immigrants, workers with disabilities, younger and older workers, gays and lesbians, women, and white men. Two groups that were left out, which I feel should have been included are Jewish and Arab-American which are often, mistakenly lumped together with white male. Nor is much attention paid to religious or socio-economic diversity.

The chapters themselves start out with general discussion. They then go on to introduce the statements made by interviewees and discuss the stories behind them. Then several scenarios of workplace situations are introduced. After each scenario sections discuss what went wrong and what might have been done differently. I found this material very useful. Getting some insight into how the affected people felt and what they thought is tremendously useful in getting to the source of the real problem. The material on what should have been done provides good examples of simple, considerate and respectful behavior which could be the basis for finding common ground and resolving issues.

The book dates from 1994, but is still quite timely in 2001. Renee Blank and Sandra Slipp have a crisp, clear writing style that makes for easy reading. Not only is the book good reference material, but it would be a fine teaching tool for a discussion group. I would recommend "Voices of Diversity" for everyone's diversity reading list.

Rating:
Summary: Down-to-earth Manual.. Extremely well written
Review: I am reading this book for a leadership program and have found a jewel. I am thoroughly enjoying the real-life examples of discrimination experienced by the various demographic groups. The book is written in layman's language, and without being blunt, its examples and how-to instructions are clear to the reader. I strongly suggest this to managers or staff members willing to learn more about diversity and how it fits into the workplace.