Staff demographics change and global markets emerge, while workplace diversity becomes a business necessity instead of being a company banner that is used to showcase commitment to embracing differences and change. “Diversity in the workplace is important because it demonstrates itself in terms of building an unlimited reputation of the institution, increased productivity and enabling staff to grow,” said Prof Nasima Carrim. 

Prof Carrim is the leading co-editor of the book Managing diversity in the South African workplace, a pioneering publication that includes modern and relevant topics such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution and globalisation on top of critical theories like race and gender, while tapping into important business and managerial concepts and their application in the context of South Africa’s diverse culture and background. “Though a tranquil work environment may be difficult to achieve, staff recognise the strengths and talents that diversity brings to the workplace, and they gain respect for their colleagues’ performance”’ said Prof Carrim.

The book is divided into two parts, first introducing diversity and equality, then focusing on how diversity can be managed in the South African workplace. The book’s more than 10 contributing authors, which include the current Head of the Department of Human Resource Management, Prof Alewyn Nel, are situated all around South Africa, and each offers valuable input on the topic, adding to the relevance and significance of the 266-page book.

The University of Pretoria congratulated Prof Carrim for her central contribution to the publication of the first ever textbook on diversity management in South Africa. Prof Carrim is an associate professor in the Department of Human Resource Management and the Programme Manager of the Magister Human Resource Management and Labour Relations Management programme. She is a registered industrial psychologist and teaches diversity management to undergraduate and postgraduate students. The book was published by Van Schaik in early 2020. More information can be found at https://www.vanschaiknet.com/book/view/478.

Jimmy Masombuka