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Leading Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Guide for Systemic Change in Multinational Organizations
This book offers five proven principles so multinational companies can advance diversity, equity, and inclusion with a nuanced understanding of local contexts across countries and cultures.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of using a single-culture worldview when implementing global DEI in organizations. But what makes DEI change efforts successful in one country may have opposite, unintended consequences in another. How do companies find the right balance between anchoring their efforts locally while pushing for change that may disrupt existing power dynamics?
This is the question at the heart of global DEI work. Along with practical advice and examples, Rohini Anand offers five overarching principles derived from her own experience leading global DEI transformation and interviews with more than sixty-five leaders to provide a through line for leading global DEI transformation in divergent cultures.
Local relevance—understanding markets and acknowledging local beliefs, regulations, and history—is essential for global success. This groundbreaking book explicitly details how to take local histories, laws, and practices into account in DEI transformation work while promoting social justice worldwide.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of using a single-culture worldview when implementing global DEI in organizations. But what makes DEI change efforts successful in one country may have opposite, unintended consequences in another. How do companies find the right balance between anchoring their efforts locally while pushing for change that may disrupt existing power dynamics?
This is the question at the heart of global DEI work. Along with practical advice and examples, Rohini Anand offers five overarching principles derived from her own experience leading global DEI transformation and interviews with more than sixty-five leaders to provide a through line for leading global DEI transformation in divergent cultures.
Local relevance—understanding markets and acknowledging local beliefs, regulations, and history—is essential for global success. This groundbreaking book explicitly details how to take local histories, laws, and practices into account in DEI transformation work while promoting social justice worldwide.
- GenresNonfictionLeadership
288 pages, Hardcover
Published November 30, 2021
37 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Rohini Anand
14 books9 followersRecognized as a pioneer in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) field, Dr. Rohini Anand provides DEI advisory services to clients in the public and private sectors. Previously, she was SVP Corporate Responsibility and Global Chief Diversity Officer for Sodexo where she spearheaded a remarkable global culture change through DEI that also became a Harvard Business School case study. Dr. Anand serves on the nonprofit boards of WomenLift Health (a Gates Foundation initiative), Aspen Institute’s Family Prosperity Initiative, and Tent Partnership for Refugees. She also serves on the DEI advisory boards for Charter and Sanofi and chaired the Catalyst Board of Advisors. Frequently quoted in national media, her groundbreaking book Leading Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: A Guide for Systemic Change in Multinational Organizations was published in November 2021. Dr. Anand received her PhD from the University of Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 2, 2022
DEl work happens at the intersection of the personal and the systemic.
I'll start this book review with some context of where I am personally in my DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) journey. In 2017, at the behest of my colleague, I read "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg. It made a significant impact on me. Before then, my awareness of diversity and gender equality issues was only surface-deep. I kinda knew the problems existed, but I didn't understand the various biases and prejudices; or the benefits that I (as a white male) enjoy.
Since then, I have become much more aware of DEI. I came to "Leading Global DEI" by Rohini Anand already having some knowledge. Thus there was a decent amount of content in this book that was not entirely new to me. There are even quite a few things that the author mentioned that I've been using and promoting in my workplace (e.g., no salary negotiations).
At the same time, I can still improve a lot. To give a simple example, just a few weeks ago, I interrupted a female co-worker making a point during an off-site. I'm well aware of the fact (and the research is also mentioned in this book) that women are interrupted more often than men in the workplace.
With this context in mind, I enjoyed "Leading Global DEI" quite a lot. The author has a lot of knowledge and experience on the subject. I especially appreciated that this is not a book with a single recipe. Rohini Anand repeatedly highlights that the solutions must consider the specific company culture/needs and the DEI situation in a country/region. She provides ideas of what worked for some companies (especially for Sodexo, the company she worked for as an SVP) but is consistent that it won't work everywhere.
I also liked that the author highlighted the need for a systemic approach when addressing DEI. It's critical to embed DEI through all the company systems and processes instead of hoping that various initiatives will make a dent. I couldn't agree more.
Overall, "Leading Global DEI" is a good book. While it's primarily aimed at people in leadership roles, I'd recommend it to anyone interested in the subject. "The Culture Map" is an excellent accompanying book for those looking to dive even deeper.
I'll start this book review with some context of where I am personally in my DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) journey. In 2017, at the behest of my colleague, I read "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg. It made a significant impact on me. Before then, my awareness of diversity and gender equality issues was only surface-deep. I kinda knew the problems existed, but I didn't understand the various biases and prejudices; or the benefits that I (as a white male) enjoy.
Since then, I have become much more aware of DEI. I came to "Leading Global DEI" by Rohini Anand already having some knowledge. Thus there was a decent amount of content in this book that was not entirely new to me. There are even quite a few things that the author mentioned that I've been using and promoting in my workplace (e.g., no salary negotiations).
At the same time, I can still improve a lot. To give a simple example, just a few weeks ago, I interrupted a female co-worker making a point during an off-site. I'm well aware of the fact (and the research is also mentioned in this book) that women are interrupted more often than men in the workplace.
With this context in mind, I enjoyed "Leading Global DEI" quite a lot. The author has a lot of knowledge and experience on the subject. I especially appreciated that this is not a book with a single recipe. Rohini Anand repeatedly highlights that the solutions must consider the specific company culture/needs and the DEI situation in a country/region. She provides ideas of what worked for some companies (especially for Sodexo, the company she worked for as an SVP) but is consistent that it won't work everywhere.
I also liked that the author highlighted the need for a systemic approach when addressing DEI. It's critical to embed DEI through all the company systems and processes instead of hoping that various initiatives will make a dent. I couldn't agree more.
Overall, "Leading Global DEI" is a good book. While it's primarily aimed at people in leadership roles, I'd recommend it to anyone interested in the subject. "The Culture Map" is an excellent accompanying book for those looking to dive even deeper.
December 3, 2021
Just received my copy of Leading Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Guide for Systemic Change in Multinational Organizations by Rohini Anand PhD.
The author pours a career and life of amazing experiences into this book with the aim to help others make leaps in their efforts to bring about greater equity and inclusion - not only in the workplace, but in communities and society.
She’s masterful at dancing with complex change that hits at different pressure points in different countries and cultures. Her body of work shared in these pages is a testimony to the power of change through networks, that together is better than alone, that listening is pre-requisite for change, and that leaders need to have the humility to start these changes with themselves.
She shows that diversity, equity, and inclusion can’t be a bumper sticker, a corporate statement of commitment, or “efforts on the edges.” By its nature, it’s disruptive and difficult. Rohini shows in both principled and practical terms a pathway for those leaders committed to change in the short and long term.
I learned so much reading her book and found myself excited about the role that leaders and businesses can and must play in contributing to a better, equitable, more vibrant, and prosperous world for all.
It’s a fascinating read because of the many stories she tells. That said, it also serves as a guide - a reference - to go back to again and again when grappling with your own change efforts.
She shows that leading change is not for the faint of heart - but she eases the journey with her wise companionship in this book. If you care about changing organizations to make them places of real diversity, equity, and inclusion, then get this book!
The author pours a career and life of amazing experiences into this book with the aim to help others make leaps in their efforts to bring about greater equity and inclusion - not only in the workplace, but in communities and society.
She’s masterful at dancing with complex change that hits at different pressure points in different countries and cultures. Her body of work shared in these pages is a testimony to the power of change through networks, that together is better than alone, that listening is pre-requisite for change, and that leaders need to have the humility to start these changes with themselves.
She shows that diversity, equity, and inclusion can’t be a bumper sticker, a corporate statement of commitment, or “efforts on the edges.” By its nature, it’s disruptive and difficult. Rohini shows in both principled and practical terms a pathway for those leaders committed to change in the short and long term.
I learned so much reading her book and found myself excited about the role that leaders and businesses can and must play in contributing to a better, equitable, more vibrant, and prosperous world for all.
It’s a fascinating read because of the many stories she tells. That said, it also serves as a guide - a reference - to go back to again and again when grappling with your own change efforts.
She shows that leading change is not for the faint of heart - but she eases the journey with her wise companionship in this book. If you care about changing organizations to make them places of real diversity, equity, and inclusion, then get this book!
December 16, 2021
It is must-have book for every leader who would like to foster an inclusive workplace. Through her 5 key principles, Dr. Rohini addressed everything from localizing efforts and aligning them to business goals, to the necessity of leadership transformation, establishing governance, and developing metrics and accountability. She brought in her book a multilayered and transversal exploration of the diversity and inclusion principles: from Global to local, from leaders making changes to leaders making business too, from a deep, wide to inside out approach. In few words, she took us in a journey of extensive and rich insights from the day she started her mission in Sodexo to the day she is advocating for an embedding change in our internal and external ecosystems. - Dr. Maya Rmeity, Research Consultant and D&I Advisor
December 2, 2021
An engaging and engrossing book - very timely and highly relevant for the times and the world we live in today. Dr. Rohini Anand makes a compelling case for DEI by narrating and combining her personal journey and transformation with the changes she designed and implemented at her organization Sodexo. This book is a very useful guide and road map not only for an organization embarking or enhancing its DEI efforts but also for individuals and leaders seeking to bring about lasting change through informed leadership. This book is very well written and a fairly easy read and I recommend it highly. Sudha Garg
December 4, 2021
The murder of George Floyd sparked racial justice protests globally, and caused multinational corporations to redouble their commitments to DEI. This timely book focuses on strategies global companies can use to drive their DEI initiatives. Dr. Anand's book does a terrific job of combining practical advice, academic research and data, and compelling stories from around the world. The result is a proven framework that multinational organizations can use to guide their efforts. This is complex and nuanced topic, and Dr. Anand is a brilliant guide through the territory.
July 7, 2023
This is the first time I’ve seen organisational leadership issues like this tackled from a multicultural perspective. Great insights and perspectives of the challenges to engaging well with this topic across cultures. I appreciated the “transversal” approach presented which acknowledges the different cultural nuances and complexities involved. While not all of the examples apply for my organisation, it is a fantastic summary of how to start addressing diversity topics in a complex cross-cultural environment.
December 2, 2021
Dr. Anand's book is rich in sharing real-life experiences from around the world. Her global vision will help companies value workforce diversity, create a culture of inclusion and encourage equity in the workplace. In a rapidly changing world, what's good for the people is also good for the business. I recommend all leaders to read and share this extremely fascinating book.
Bernadette Giard - VP Global Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Bernadette Giard - VP Global Diversity Equity & Inclusion
December 3, 2021
Dr. Anand has presented an extremely well-researched and lucidly described framework and step-by-step approach for achieving diversity, equity and inclusion in a global organization. It is a must-read for leaders at all levels of an organization who are committed to maximizing their organizational performance by implementing policies that are sensitive to local cultural factors rather than using a “one size fits all” approach.
December 2, 2021
Dr. Rohini Anand has dealt with diversity and inclusivity; topics that have never been more relevant or more important, locally and globally. Practical applications and storytelling simplify the process for all of us. A must-read for everybody!
April 3, 2022
Strong, essential insights, but a dry slog of a read.
May 7, 2022
if you want to understand the importance of DE&I this is the book for you
February 14, 2023
The primary thing that I learned was that diversity, equity and inclusion Leader’s make an intentional effort to implement this into their organization. Intent and dedication are critical.
August 19, 2023
Lots of good, implementable ideas for global organisations.
August 28, 2023
Inspiring, helping information. I really appreciated her real-life examples and context!
January 27, 2022
This book offers the necessary perspective for bringing DEI practice into the world's current global atmosphere. The qualitative experience combined with the presented proprietary data is expertly distilled into applicable and actionable understandings, meant to create sustainable change within people and the organizations they run.
It approaches how diversity is perceived within different communities and how we are therefore perceived within each differing, yet equally true, paradigm. Dr. Anand presents various, proven strategies for approaching DEI with methodologies authentic to the paradigm in which organizations exist and desire to operate.
A (delayed) special thanks to Dr. Anand's team for providing an early copy of LGD.
It approaches how diversity is perceived within different communities and how we are therefore perceived within each differing, yet equally true, paradigm. Dr. Anand presents various, proven strategies for approaching DEI with methodologies authentic to the paradigm in which organizations exist and desire to operate.
A (delayed) special thanks to Dr. Anand's team for providing an early copy of LGD.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews