Peer Review

Being Different Together: Case Studies on Diversity Interventions in Some South African Organisations

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Jun 21, 2018 by Sociology

Ratings

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Effectiveness:

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Overview:: There are few contexts where people are not confronted by differences in the workplace, in organisations and public spaces, and as an aspect of the general body politic. The challenge, therefore, is how to value what different groups may bring to the collective whole, at the same time, maintaining cohesive societies. Contemporary South Africa is no exception in facing realities such as these although the specific contours that the challenges take are obviously shaped by South Africa's history, its socioeconomic capacities, and the particular demographics that form its population. Widespread legislative reform has attempted to redress stratification along a number of axes of difference. Employment equity measures such as affirmative action which were conceptualised in countries like the USA were designed to introduce a representative number from minority groups into relatively homogenous organisations. The changes envisioned for South African organisations are of a different order in this country where the majority demographic has to be brought into the centre politically, economically, and organisationally - a fundamental transformation in processes, structures, identities and relationships. The case studies that are presented here are a reminder of this sometimes volatile transformation of South African life where new opportunities and challenges often come into conflict with old mindsets and practices.
Type of Material:: Open (Access) Textbook.
Recommended Uses:: It could be used as a textbook in its entirety or one or more of the individual case studies as selections in a reader. It could be used as homework and also as a basis for lectures.
Technical Requirements:: Ability to read PDF files. There are a few links to Vimeo videos.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: Uses case studies from various South African industries to teach equity and diversity management; what Melissa Steyn calls: critical diversity literacy.
Target Student Population:: College General Education.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Some college level introductory social science course.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: Well written.
Concerns:: The bulk of the research was done by graduate students, and is now over a decade old.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

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Strengths:: The case studies provide examples of diversity and equity being put into practice. The edited book provides models for diversity scholarship. The case studies serve as concept reinforcement. Each case study is presented in two formats, long and detailed for diversity practitioners, and then condensed with discussion questions designed for teachers.
Concerns:: It is not designed to be integrated into specific course assignments. There are no student learning outcome assessments. For a graduate seminar this would not be a problem, but for a lower division college class, even the condensed versions of the case studies with discussion questions will require additional context from the professor.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

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Strengths:: The design and layout are extremely clear. It includes a glossary of key terms and acronyms. The Table of Content is clickable. Afrikaans phrases are immediately translated and specific cultural references explained in footnotes. Because it is a .pdf, it can by used by users with various disabilities.
Concerns:: As a textbook it presents issues of timeliness.

Other Issues and Comments:: It seems to respect the confidentiality of the interviewees. It meets a PG rating standard. It is a finished book and will not be updated.
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