Differences That Work

Gentile ( Film Feminisms: Theory and Practice ) uses thematically clustered Harvard Business Review articles to explore how diversity exists at ``the intersection of the workplace and wider society.'' Pieces by R. Roosevelt Thomas Jr., Edward W. Jones Jr., Larry R. Smeltzer and others evaluate discrimination and racism, tackling such issues as encouraging employment opportunities for a diverse workforce and ``providing the much-needed organizational support to help African Americans realize their potential.'' The material on female managers is impressive, especially Felice N. Schwartz's ``Women As a Business Imperative.'' AIDS and gay issues are addressed by David L. Kirp and Alistair D. Williamson, aging by Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and the visually impaired by Julia Anderson. This sensitive work enriches and expands our tenuous understanding of diversity in the workplace. (Apr.)