Many corporations have adopted this book as part of their Corporate Diversity Program. This is a tragic shame, as the authors do little more than attack traditional values and American culture under the guise of diversity. While this book is marketed in the business category, it is in fact, a thinly veiled collection of radical left wing political writings. This book does not subscribe to Dr. King's "Content of their Character" premise, but rather focuses on dominant and non-dominant "groups". Equal rights are not the focus of the authors, but rather equal outcomes, ignoring the relative effectiveness of differing patterns of behavior, cultural values or economic practices in producing wealth, advancing careers or building functional communities. The authors believe that decisions should only have consequences if the decision maker is part of a "dominant" group.

In the corporations that the authors would have us build, "incorrect" points of view, including values, facts and integrity are cast aside if they conflict with the authors "correct" worldview. Family and Christian values are dismissed as homophobia and heterosexism, in effect creating a new prejudice to marginalize Evangelical Christians. Those who simply believe in a free society based on equal rights and equal application of laws are simply dismissed out of hand. The editors and authors of this anthology advocate suppression of free speech for the sake of their utopian "non-judgemental" (IF and only if you fit one of their acceptable "groups") vision.

This book is divisive. Instead of advancing diversity it serves only to undermine integrity and trust. By substituting radical orthodoxy for open dialog, it in effect creating a new segregation between those who believe in American culture and those who would change it to something more closely resembling socialism. Instead of wasting your time on this, read Vision of the Annointed, or Race and Culture by economist and social scientist Thomas Sowell, A Dream Deferred, by Shelby Steele, Diversity by Peter Wood, Who Stole Feminism by Christina Hoff Sommers or The End of Racism by Dinesh D'Souza!

The Diversity Factor shows the emerging maturity in the understanding of valuing and managing diversity in today's workplace. By incorporating writings and viewpoints of those other than the Editors, the benefits of diveristy and multiple perspectives are promoted within the book itself. This alone supports the shifting paradigms about the richness and merits of diversity. Cross and Blackburn White are to both be acknowledged for this refreshing and engaging publication, in addition to their continued efforts publishing The Diversity Factor periodical. The Editors step out of the comfort zone by addressing differnces that make many uncomfortable but yet are very important, such as the gay and lesbian worker and how their difference matters. Whenever a diversity book, management program, or training program exclude sexual orientation, promoting and inclusive understanding of diversity is greatly diserviced and undermined. Cross and Blackburn White break free of this dilemma by embracing inclusion. As a Diveristy Awareness and Communications Educator, I highly recommend this insightful and inclusive reading to all managers and diveristy educators as a valuable resouce. Frank Stonehouse