Implementing Diversity: Best Practices for Making Diversity Work in Your Organization

by Marilyn Loden

Book Overview

This practical and provocative guide provides the strategies and tactics used by organizations committed to implementing diversity from the top down. Focusing on the necessity for a strategic change initiative, Loden discusses: how to position diversity initiatives for maximum buy-in and support; proven strategies for managing resistance to this important change; the 18 classic mistakes made when implementing diversity initiatives--and how to avoid...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 078630460X
• ISBN13: 9780786304608
• Release Date: August 1995
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

A wider view of diversity

This is a great book if you're looking for direction in how to get the word out about Diversity. It goes beyond the physical differences and has the reader think about diversity in a broader sense. I like the systems thinking that was throughout the book - to successfully implement diversity throughout the organization, the top influencers and decision makers must support the effort as well as including people from across the organization. This book is well-written with golden nuggets throughout.

After Reading Many Diversity Books I Didn't Expect Much New

After reading so many diversity books, I wasn't expecting to get much more from this one. But I was pleasantly surprised. This book takes a more pragmatic approach to the topic than others. It is less esoteric and more of a how-to book with a very strong conceptual framework borrowed from the change management field. I actually liked reading it and have found it to be very helpful in my work as a diversity council chairperson.

A Great Addition to My Loden Library!

Every five years it seems Marilynn Loden has a new book with something original and important to say in it. I loved Feminine Leadership (book #1) and am amazed at how relevant it remains today. Work Force America (#2) was also ahead of its time. And now Implementing Diversity (#3). This is a no b.s. guide for consultants and change agents who want to build inclusive, cooperative workplaces without a mountain of backlash. The ideas and models really work. I hope this author keeps them coming!

Must Read Framework For Getting Started

I am co-leading an internal regional diversity effort for Hewitt Associates (a human resources consulting firm). Our team includes about 10+ members and this book was handed out after our first meeting together last November. It gets an enthusiastic thumbs up from all team members and we are including as part of our "new member kit". The book does an incredible job walking you through the basics and is very practical in it's application. It's not paint by numbers, but provides a great conceptual framework for understanding what's involved, the issues/acceptance you'll encounter in going out with a program, and proves very helpful in developing a strategy and action plan to make your efforts successful. This book was recommended to our team by an outside consultant we are using. We have had much success to date in working with leadership and rolling out our efforts among all associates in the region. This book has provided great conceptual framing for all our efforts. We will also likely order copies for our senior leadership group to start them on their journey!

A Valuable Change Management Perspective!

How many organizations have attempted to promote employee diversity - only to discover that their actions and programs have lead to confusion, polarization and greater resistance? Having worked in two companies where diversity was a "corporate value," I've seen the negative results of well-intentioned but poorly conceived diversity training. I"ve listened to white males talk about the "D-word" and how alienated they feel. I've also watched women and minorities fight and compete with each other for the crumbs that fall from the corporate table. All very discouraging... Leaving me feeling that there had to be a better way! Implementing Diversity is the first diversity book I've read that acknowledges the problems inherent in many diversity programs and provides tested solutions to build support for change - not resistance to it. I wish I'd discovered this book five years ago. I'm glad I found it now!