Managing Diversity in Public Sector Workforces

Despite more recent attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the U.S. government, public sector workforces remain diverse, leaving public organizations and the field that studies them, public administration, to seek ways to maintain a dedication to social equity, while moving away polarizing terminology. Managing Diversity in Public Sector Workforces, Third Edition provides practitioners and students preparing to enter the public sector workplace with an understanding of the important role of diversity in government organizations, as well as up-to-date, practical tools and strategies for managing employees well.

The book illustrates the challenges and best practices of managing a diverse workforce in the public sector, particularly the efforts of the Trump Administration to prohibit the use of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Using jargon-free, descriptive language, the book raises awareness, understanding, and appreciation for one of the most critical human resources management functions. New to this third edition:

• Exploration of the continued importance to DEI programs, and their implications for the promotion of democratic goals.
• Analysis of the Trump Administration’s retraction of commitment to DEI in the federal government, and a parallel examination of diversity efforts at the state and local levels of government.
• Assessment of the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and UNC, and the implications of this ruling for government employers.
• Evaluation of demographic shifts in the nation’s labor workforces and the unfulfilled promises of preparing the workforce for change.

Managing Diversity in Public Sector Workforces, Third Edition will be of interest to students of public administration and public personnel management, and it is essential reading for all those involved in managing public organizations.