The Integration of Women in Management: A Guide for Human Resources and Management Development Specialists

(Hardback)

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Written for human resources managers, trainers, and supervisors, this groundbreaking study examines whether gender-based differences are pervasive in the workplace and, if so, how they influence the work practices of men and women. Drawing upon their own empirical research as well as others in the field, the authors argue that women do not view work and organizations very differently from men and that both men and women need a sense of purpose and want inclusion in the decisions that matter. Rizzo and Mendez then investigate how human resources practitioners can strengthen the capacities of women to become organizational change agents and present a series of creative strategies designed to develop employees, devise training programs, define personnel retention policies, and build work teams. They also include details about workshops, activities, and source materials that trainers and human resources development specialists can use to begin building participative and productive work teams. The result is a practical handbook that not only provides a sound theoretical model for organizational integration but also practical, tested how-to strategies and advice for building an effective workplace that derives maximum participation and productivity from all members. The book begins by looking at common stereotypes of working women and how these stereotypes contribute to the underutilization and devaluation of women in the workplace. Rizzo and Mendez then examine feminist perspectives concerning women's status as well as epistemological explorations of how we know what we know about gender differences. Turning from theory to practice, the authors propose a model for organizational integration, analyze a case study of how women influence others at work, and outline a workshop designed to empower women managers. Detailed tools, strategies, and approaches for the trainer and human resources professional are described in detail and are accompanied by the authors' recommendations and advice for the reader's use. Finally, the authors consider how individuals in authoritative capacities can help to transform work cultures by working one-on-one with individual employees. With radical changes in the demographic makeup of the American workforce and a shrinking pool of available workers already beginning to exert a strong influence on companies and public policy, the full integration of women in the workplace becomes an important strategic goal. This volume takes an important first step in that direction.

Reviews

Do women view work and organization differently from men Based on their research, the authors believe not. On this premise, they investigate how human resources practitioners can strengthen the capacities of women to become agents of organizational change. Both practical aspects and theory are included. Strategies and approaches are provided to help trainers and human resources development specialists design workshops, activities, and source materials to begin building participative, and productive work teams. The theoretical portion of the study examines the common stereotypes of working women and analyzes how these stereotypes contribute to the underutilization and devaluation of women in the workplace.-Business Information Alert
Rizzo (Florida International University) and Mendez (Tennessee State University) examine gender-related issues in the workplace and focus on ways to promote women's role in management. The volume begins with a discussion of women in the workplace. This discussion includes some history, some consideration of sterotypes and their impact, and some theory and research (including feminist theory), which illuminate the issues. Following this, the authors discuss the integration of 'outsiders' into an organization. Although reference is made to women and minorities, the material is applicable to all. The authors focus on helping employees contribute to organizations in ways that make work more satisfying. The third major topic is the presentation of specific cases, strategies, and workshop exercises to promote employee development and integration. These are described in sufficient detail for reader use. Rizzo and Mendez assume that organizations want to be the best they can be, and are therefore open to change. Chapter references. Professional and academic collections, upper-division and graduate.-Choice
"Do women view work and organization differently from men Based on their research, the authors believe not. On this premise, they investigate how human resources practitioners can strengthen the capacities of women to become agents of organizational change. Both practical aspects and theory are included. Strategies and approaches are provided to help trainers and human resources development specialists design workshops, activities, and source materials to begin building participative, and productive work teams. The theoretical portion of the study examines the common stereotypes of working women and analyzes how these stereotypes contribute to the underutilization and devaluation of women in the workplace."-Business Information Alert
"Rizzo (Florida International University) and Mendez (Tennessee State University) examine gender-related issues in the workplace and focus on ways to promote women's role in management. The volume begins with a discussion of women in the workplace. This discussion includes some history, some consideration of sterotypes and their impact, and some theory and research (including feminist theory), which illuminate the issues. Following this, the authors discuss the integration of 'outsiders' into an organization. Although reference is made to women and minorities, the material is applicable to all. The authors focus on helping employees contribute to organizations in ways that make work more satisfying. The third major topic is the presentation of specific cases, strategies, and workshop exercises to promote employee development and integration. These are described in sufficient detail for reader use. Rizzo and Mendez assume that organizations want to be the best they can be, and are therefore open to change. Chapter references. Professional and academic collections, upper-division and graduate."-Choice

Author Bio

ANN-MARIE RIZZO is Professor of Public Administration at Tennessee State University, Nashville. For the past fifteen years she has also trained practitioners in the public and private sectors and conducted workshops, with Carmen Mendez, for women managers and staff on ways of understanding organizations and job politics. CARMEN MENDEZ is a Professor in the Department of Public Administration and the Director of Budget and Administration for the College of Education at Florida International University. She has been involved, with Ann-Marie Rizzo, in leading training workshops in both the public and private sectors, and served as Acting Director of the Institute of Government.