Reinventing Diversity

Title: Reinventing Diversity: Transforming Organizational Community to Strengthen People, Purpose, and Performance
Published by: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Release Date: May 30, 2013
ISBN13: 978-1442210448
Buy the Book: Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Bookshop, IndieBound

 
Overview

Diversity in business and other organizations has been a goal for more than a quarter of a century, yet companies struggle to create an inclusive work place. In Reinventing Diversity, one of America's leading diversity experts explains why most diversity programs fail and how we can make them work. In this inspiring guide, Howard Ross, uses interviews, personal stories, statistics, and case studies to show that there is no quick fix, no easy answer. Acceptance needs to become part of the culture of a company, not just a mandated attitude. People still feel alienated because of their race, language, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or culture. Many of these prejudices are unconscious and exclusions unintentional. Only through challenging our own preconceived notions about diversity can we build a productive and collaborative work environment in which all people are included.

Reviews

"I applaud Howard Ross for raising the issues, for bringing his heart, soul, spirit and passion to an issue he has devoted much of his life to. We have no choice but to embrace diversity, and Howard says we must confront our own biases in that embracing, and in our effort to construct a more inclusive society. His words ain't nothing but the truth, embracing my Ebonics. This is mind-expanding and important work."
— Julianne Malveaux, President of Bennett College for Women

"In ReInventing Diversity, Howard Ross explains that creating what he calls "Organizational Community" requires vision, which sounds like a platitude. Then we read on to discover that vision is much more than sight, or even foresight. Vision involves an intense level of focus and planning that anticipate the role of diversity in the globalized 21st century. If Howard Ross didn't exist, we'd have to invent him. Or at least reinvent him."
— Kojo Nnamdi, Host, The Kojo Nnamdi Show, WAMU FM, Washington DC

"Howard Ross' global and academic experiences are artfully reflected in this book. His insights and guidance make this a must read for anyone wanting to create culturally inclusive community in organizations. I plan to make it required reading for leaders wherever I go."
— Rosalyn Taylor O'Neale, VP, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Campbell Soup Company

"ReInventing Diversity is a true reflection of Howard Ross's heart and soul and his decades-long commitment to transforming human relationships. This book not only challenges us to think differently about diversity and inclusion, but it also points to a new direction about how we can overcome the lines and barriers that divide us. As a civil rights leader on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, I use these lessons daily."
— Joe Solmonese, President, Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

"This book, like Howard Ross, is brimming with substance and soul. It is an important work that invites courageous conversations and difficult dialogues with ourselves and with others. Page after page offers us the wisdom, inspiration and tools we need to be effective advocates for diversity and inclusion. At last, here is the book we have been waiting for!"
— Johnnetta Betsch Cole, President Emerita of Spelman College and Bennett College for Women