Breaking Through: The Making of Minority Executives in Corporate America (Hardcover)

~ (Author), John J. Gabarro (Author) "THIS BOOK IS ABOUT the making of "minority executives," African American, Asian American, and Hispanic American professionals who reach the executive level in large, predominantly..." (more)
Key Phrases: division operations manager, minority executives, minority executive development, African American, Gant Electronics, Advanced Technology (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Against all odds, a few minority executives break through to the highest executive levels in corporate America. The aim of Thomas and Gabarro is to explain the processes of growth and advancement that produce minority executives by focusing on three companies that have been successful in developing people of color from entry level to executive. Concealing the identity of those companies in different industries, the authors examine both the individual and the organizational factors influencing minority promotion. Along with a detailed explanation of their research and findings, the authors offer lessons for minority aspirants as well as guidelines for corporations that want to develop minority executives more effectively. Advice to individuals includes building a network of developmental relationships, analyzing the record on minority promotions of a prospective employer, and understanding that race matters but that it alone doesn't determine fate. Their final counsel is that the road to the executive suite must be worth the price extracted from all individuals, especially minorities. Mary Whaley

Review

"A massive primer for professionals seeking to understand success and employers who wish to foster diversity in their upper ranks." -- The Boston Globe, May 23, 1999

"Provides a wealth of useful information for those seeking insights regarding how these executives have managed to break away." -- Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, July 12, 1999

"This first-rate work is valuable to any would-be executive." -- Library Journal June 15, 1999

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 347 pages
• Publisher: Harvard Business Press (June 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875848664
• ISBN-13: 978-0875848662
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #318,006 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is wonderful, June 29, 1999

By A Customer

Few books have the ability to relate the importance of the information contained within to both professional and layman alike. That is, however, exactly what this book accomplishes. It shows you the how the achievements of minorities trying to attain status at the corporate level are linked to career decisions and mentoring relationships. This is accomplished by examining the characteristics of several minority executives at different companies who have managed to break through the glass ceiling. It also teaches several approaches for acheiving racial diversity throughout a company. It examines three large corporations who have accomplished this feat, by tracing their diversity efforts throughout the past few decades. This book is a must read for anyone interested in the processes by which businesses accomplish diversification throughout all levels of the company.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is destined to be a classic management text, December 10, 1999

By A Customer

This is destined to become one of the classic management texts. I found the authors treatement of the subject matter to be insightful and well thought out. This is a must for any person of color who is wondering why it's taking them so long to move into the executive level. As a trainer I will be using this as one of my texts, and I plan on sending a number of copies to my friends.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read!, July 21, 1999

By A Customer

Breaking Through is a multifaceted book that speaks to a spectrum of audiences: the business leader committed to creating a diverse workplace; the human resource professional charged with designing and implementing diversity initiatives; the minority professional aspiring to break through.

This book sheds light on the complex career dynamics presented to minority professionals in corporate America. As an aspiring minority professional, I took away valuable strategies, as well as pitfalls, for achieving my career goals.

The book is a balance of compelling empirical evidence and real-life examples. The depth of analysis makes for an engaging and enlightening reading experience.

Breaking Through will serve as a personal professional reference guide and I am sure that it will become an invaluable resource throughout my career.