Race, Work, and Leadership is a rare and important compilation of essays that examines how race matters in people's experience of work and leadership. What does it mean to be black in corporate America today? How are racial dynamics in organisations changing in a post-Obama era? How do we build inclusive organisations?
Race, Work, and Leadership is a rare and important compilation of essays that examines how race matters in people's experience of work and leadership. What does it mean to be black in corporate America today? How are racial dynamics in organizations changing in a post-Obama era? How do we build inclusive organizations?Inspired by and developed in conjunction with the research and programming for Harvard Business School's 2018 celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the HBS African American Student Union, this groundbreaking book shines new light on these and other timely questions and illuminates the present-day dynamics of race in the workplace. Contributions from top scholars, researchers, and practitioners in leadership, organizational behavior, psychology, sociology, and education test the relevance of long-held assumptions and reconsider the research approaches and interventions needed to understand and advance African Americans in work settings and leadership roles.At a time when there are fewer African American men and women in corporate leadership roles (following a peak in 2002), Race, Work, and Leadership will stimulate new scholarship and dialogue on the organizational and leadership challenges of African Americans and become the indispensable reference for anyone committed to understanding, studying, and acting on the challenges facing leaders who are building inclusive organizations.
Advance Praise for Race, Work, and Leadership:
"A seminal compilation that quantitatively captures the experience of being and becoming a black leader in America. Let the much-needed conversations begin." -- Ann Fudge, retired Chairman and CEO, Young & Rubicam Brands
"This book has the potential to change the entire narrative about the experience of black people. Never before has there been such a compilation of compelling and probing insights and data about how black people have navigated and still navigate the unique historical and contemporary barriers of the workplace." -- Katherine W. Phillips, Reuben Mark Professor of Organizational Character and Director, Bernstein Center for Leadership and Ethics, Columbia Business School
"Race, Work, and Leadership reflects my story as an African American leader in both higher education and industry. Being 'both visible and invisible,' managing through 'contested authority' that threatens our legitimacy, and needing a strong sense of self and exceptional resilience is the reality for black leaders in America. This work suggests strategies for leading despite resistance and provides a balm for those of us who wonder 'is it only me?'" -- Linda S. Oubre, President, Whittier College
"Roberts, Mayo, and Thomas bring together an impressive and interdisciplinary roster of experts who offer evidence-based insights into the breadth and richness of the black professional experience. Written from a scholarly perspective yet with important implications for practice, this book provides guidance for how we might drive meaningful change in organizations to enrich the career experiences of marginalized groups--particularly black leaders." -- Quinetta Roberson, Professor of Management, Villanova University
"This compelling book sheds light on the challenges encountered by African American executives seeking to climb the corporate ladder. It should be required reading for senior executives who are serious about ensuring that their organizations can compete effectively for the best talent." -- Ken Frazier, Chairman and CEO, Merck
