The Inclusion Breakthrough [Paperback]

Frederick A. Miller (Author), Judith H. Katz (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1576751392 | ISBN-13: 978-1576751398 | Publication Date: June 15, 2002 | Edition: 1st

The Inclusion Breakthrough explains how to make diversity a central and profitable part of an organization's strategy for long-term success rather than merely a peripheral program. The authors present proven strategies for stimulating the creativity and productivity of any business's greatest resource -- its people. Benefits to companies that have implemented these inclusion strategies are also described.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Today's organizations can boost their success by building workplace cultures that draw on the strengths of a diverse workforce, say consultants Frederick A. Miller and Judith H. Katz. In their new book, The Inclusion Breakthrough: Unleashing the Real Power of Diversity, the authors say "diversity in a box" (smothering diversity) has prevented many organizations from achieving true success. "Capitalizing on diversity requires more than simply hiring a diverse workforce," they say. "Radical changes are needed also in both the structure and culture of most organizations." With diagrams, tables and specific tips, Miller and Katz put in plain words how to make these changes.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Frederick A. Miller is President and CEO of The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc, the largest consulting firm focusing on diversity issues. Miller currently serves on the board of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). He is a former board member of Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., and the Institute for Development Research. Judith H. Katz, Ed.D., is Executive Vice President of The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc. Dr Katz currently serves on the boards of the Social Venture Network, The Group for Cultural Documentation, and is also a former board member of the NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 1st edition (June 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576751392
• ISBN-13: 978-1576751398
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #236,640 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A usefulmethodology, February 23, 2005

By 

Bill Godfrey (Mt Stuart, TAS Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Inclusion Breakthrough (Paperback)

The methodology offered is based on the fairly simple precept that, to gain the benefits of diversity, you must believe in it, offer real inclusion for minorities and recognize that they provide value in the form of diverse perspectives, talents and links across the whole range of the organization's activities, not merely as links to their own community.

The authors offer three frameworks as the basis for their methodology. The first has to do with leveling and then raising the playing field. Leveling involves removing the negatives of barriers, 'isms', and biases in appointment, assignment and promotion, while raising the playing field involves proactive practices to build cross-difference partnership, ensure continuous individual and team development and create systems to enable all people to do their best work (i.e. to allow for individual and cultural differences in approaches).

The second is based on an 'Inclusion Breakthrough Cycle', the elements of which are developed in the five chapters of Part 2 of the book.

The third - Creating an Inclusion Breakthrough - is based on development of a methodology incorporating 4 phases:

* Building the Platform for Change
* Creating Momentum
* Making Diversity and Inclusion a Way of Life
* Leveraging learning and Challenging the New Status Quo

Each phase contains specified actions, which are detailed in the four chapters of the part.

None of the material is 'rocket science', but the authors do take a systemic approach to the issue and they set out a sound and useful process, which is clearly explained. It is, of course, fundamentally a particular application of wider approaches to organizational learning, focused on the specific issue of diversity. 

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Diversify your views of diversity, June 22, 2002

By 

G. Bellman (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Inclusion Breakthrough (Paperback)

To be honest, I am not well-read on the subject of diversity. I have much to learn, and this was just the book for me! What I love about the book is how it helps me (and my clients) imagine what could be done and how to do it. Given the opportunity, I doubt I'd do it exactly as Miller and Katz write about it, but their practical model (coming out of long experience) is a valuable backboard for my own ideas.

This book does not get stuck in an affirmative action box or strategy. It reaches beyond to a larger organizational perspective, serving everyone in the process. This book's ideas create more complete, productive and human organizations; it is not just about neglected or mistreated workers. With its larger scope, it serves everyone.

The real power of the book can be found in the dynamics of its title and subtitle: It's inclusion AND diversity, not OR, not VS. The creative pairing of these two words produces new possibilities--and that's what the authors help you learn about.

The book is readable, built around a central model. The authors do a good job of leading you through their thinking. And, their long experience shows in every chapter.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Shows Diversity Done Right!, June 19, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Inclusion Breakthrough (Paperback)

Creating diverse and inclusive work cultures seem to be hot, albeit sticky, topics these days. When I picked up this book I was worried that it might spout esoteric jargon. Instead, I found that the book was insightful and easy to understand. Miller and Katz don't assume that you need a Ph.D. in organizational development to create change-you can begin using the methodology immediately. The book is full of useful models, real-life examples (successes AND failures), and easy-to-use steps towards building an environment where all people feel included and appreciated.