Racial and Cultural Dynamics in Group and Organizational Life

Crossing Boundaries

Ellen L Short author Mary B McRae author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:SAGE Publications Inc

Published:15th Oct '09

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Racial and Cultural Dynamics in Group and Organizational Life cover

"The field has been waiting for a masterpiece like Racial and Cultural Dynamics in Group and Organizational Life for a long time. It provides a thoughtful account of the subtle, barely visible, and sometimes unspeakable influences of racial and cultural dynamics that occur in groups."
—Leo Wilton, Binghamton University, State University of New York

"I believe that by focusing on group diversity, this book aligns with a major trend that has not received enough attention."
— Christopher J. McCarthy, University of Texas at Austin

This book presents a theoretical framework for understanding leadership and authority in group and organizational life. Using relational psychoanalytic and systems theory, the authors examine conscious and unconscious processes as they relate to racial and cultural issues in the formation and maintenance of groups. Unique among group dynamics texts, the book explores aspects of racial and cultural influences in every chapter. Readers will enhance their analytic and practice skills in addressing factors that impact diverse groups and organizations, including ethical considerations, social roles, strategies for leadership, dynamics of entering and joining, and termination.

Key Features

  • Case examples help readers integrate theory and practice, as illustrated in transcripts of interactions from group sessions.
  • A group work competencies list ensures that readers master concepts as they progress through the book.
  • An assessment form allows the student or practitioner to evaluate concrete dynamics of groups, such as size, and gendered and racial composition.


This text is appropriate for graduate-level courses incorporating group dynamics and multicultural topics in departments of psychology, education, counseling, and social work. It is also a valuable resource for counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals in preparation for group work.

This is an interesting book which, although aimed at counselors, psychologists and mental health workers has a lot to offer other professionals.

I have adopted this text for social work students as it provides insight into a range of case examples which are readily accessible and provide a useful basis for discussion. -- Dr Ann Hodson * drupal *
Doesn′t work with current course, but I would like to work it into a course in the future. -- Dr Carrie Lloyd * drupal *
The multicultural perspective. -- Dr Edil Torres-Rivera * drupal *
Only used as a supplement. -- Dr Georges Boujakly * drupal *
Wanted a broader focus on leadership and culture -- Dr Jean Chin * drupal *
I regret that I am not able to use this textbook for my Social Issues/AABS course. I liked the book, but the content is not compatible with my course goals and objectives. However, I am considering recommending the book as a resource to participants (e.g. faculty, administrators and students) in the Texas A & M University (TAMU) Diversity Training Institute (DTI) that I facilitate during the Summer. -- Dr LaQueta Wright * drupal *
This book is good background for issues in race and diversity but a bit advanced for sophomore level students. -- Dr Laura Zieglowsky * drupal *
I was rather disappointed with this text; for me it gave a rather limited perspective on it′s subject -- Mr Armin Luthi * drupal *
A useful book for those who wish to promote group learning. -- Mrs Beverley Murray * drupal *
I thought the text was well organized and clearly written. Unfortunately, I will not be adopting the text, reason being, I felt did not focus on practical/clinical information related to group work appropriate for an intro course.

Thank you -- Mrs Vanessa SCARLATA * drupal *
Too narrow for my purposes in an introductory course -- Professor Joshua Goode * drupal *
This book deals with important issues that are often not addressed in group and organisational theory. It is a valuable addition to the generic texts which only give a superficial mention of the dynamics of social and political difference in groups. -- Steph Green * drupal *

ISBN: 9781412939867

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 280g

192 pages