Working Together : Practicing the Science of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The topic of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) has become a lightning rod in our society with some firmly embracing it as an issue of national security and others focusing powerful efforts to make DEI offices and their practices illegal. This book, written by two researchers who have conducted work together for 25 years, provides not only the basic facts about DEI but also presents the science behind DEI and how individuals and practitioners can use DEI to improve organizations. This book presents the imperatives (e.g., realistic, financial, moral) of diversity, describes the biases (biases and discrimination) that hold people back from working together, lists strategies that targets, allies, and organizations can adopt, and what leaders of and practitions in organizations must do to lead a diverse workforce.

The racial and gender reckonings exemplified by the #BLM and #MeToo Movements shine light on biases that affect every part of life, including the workplace. An unspoken truth underlying the terrible events that fuel these movements-the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, acts of xenophobia against Asian people during the COVID-19 pandemic, the sexual violence perpetrated by Harvey Weinstein- is that people are being harassed, stereotyped, demeaned, and victimized in the context of work. Police officers and movie producers are perpetrators of terrible actions while they are working. What is happening in the American workplace to allow these events to unfold? And, of critical importance, what can leaders do to make lasting change?In this critical moment in our nation''s history, organizational leaders have the opportunity and obligation to build strategy and practice in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This book will help all leaders rise to the challenge by describing state-of-the art science and practice. Expert scholars and professionals blend descriptions of case studies with large-scale robust evidence to help leaders recognize the imperative of diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations, identify their own personal barriers and those of their organizations, and specify strategies for achieving positive and persistent change by working together.