It should come as no surprise that there are many definitions of diversity, ranging from the purely functional through humanistic statements advocating acceptance of ‘otherness’, to detailed theoretical definitions of ‘inclusivity’. Nor should it be any surprise that even HR professionals will be bemused at the use of such highbrow terminology.
The Diversity Training Handbook – A Practical Guide to Understanding and Changing Attitudes |
Having said that, this book is much more user-friendly than its title and terminology suggests and the theoretical propositions are soon put aside in favour of a practical and easy to read discussion of the real issues.
The authors cover, in detail, many difficult and delicate areas, such as stereotyping, prejudice, racism, sexism, homophobia and disability, but the book deals with them in a pragmatic and sensible way. It offers solid advice, guidance and strategies for training and awareness that most organisations should be able to implement.
The handbook presents all the issues logically, with the chapters being fairly equally split between a discussion of diversity, what it means and what it is, and of the need to train and develop diversity awareness, measurement tools and techniques.
Buy or borrow it and ensure your organisation is aware of diversity, in its many forms and is able to take advantage of and maximise the potential and contribution of all your employees.
Alan Rankin is HR manager for British Nuclear Fuels.
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