On Practicing Diversity
Organizational Worldmaking through Exploration, Experimentation, and Engagement
1st Edition
Published on 19. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
170 pages
978-1-5292-3553-1 (ISBN)
Description
How can diversity be practiced without reinforcing the very inequalities it aims to dismantle?
In this book, Maddy Janssens and Chris Steyaert address this pressing question by critically examining the assumptions behind current diversity initiatives and turning to critical practice theory and queer theory for novel insights. Through imaginative concepts, inspiring illustrations, and an integrative case study within the dance world, the authors articulate the 'conditions of possibility' for a fresh, impactful alternative. This book advocates for a shift from individual efforts to collective practices, proposing a politics of organizational worldmaking oriented at multiplicity - a practicing of diversity that aspires to transformative change into livable and just work lives.
In this book, Maddy Janssens and Chris Steyaert address this pressing question by critically examining the assumptions behind current diversity initiatives and turning to critical practice theory and queer theory for novel insights. Through imaginative concepts, inspiring illustrations, and an integrative case study within the dance world, the authors articulate the 'conditions of possibility' for a fresh, impactful alternative. This book advocates for a shift from individual efforts to collective practices, proposing a politics of organizational worldmaking oriented at multiplicity - a practicing of diversity that aspires to transformative change into livable and just work lives.
Reviews / Votes
'The book is innovative by going beyond a mere critical take on DEI. It shows how we can rethink DEI work beyond seeing it as an HR issue, by combining practice theory (well known to many organisation studies scholars) and queer theory (which is still emerging as a scholarly approach in MOS at large, including for DEI scholars), and developing novel research designs on that basis... The book is an erudite, thoughtful, reflexive, and compelling attempt to reframe the fundamentals of how we study, theorize, and practice building more desirable futures for everyone.' Organization Studies "Finally, we have a book that allows us to see what is possible in institutionalizing organizational diversity by embracing insights from practice theory and queer theory. A must-read for scholars and organizations worldwide interested in creating transformative change towards equity and inclusion for all." Stella Nkomo, University of Pretoria"On Practicing Diversity performs a much-needed turn from individual capacities to organizational practices without losing touch with personal experience. Its passionate plea for knowing with feeling makes real change possible." Sara Louise Muhr, Copenhagen Business School
More details
Edition
First Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Bristol
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
Not illustrated
Dimensions
Height: 156 mm
Width: 235 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
278 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5292-3553-1 (9781529235531)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Maddy Janssens | Chris Steyaert
On Practicing Diversity
Organizational Worldmaking through Exploration, Experimentation, and Engagement
Book
05/2025
1st Edition
Bristol University Press
€129.50
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Maddy Janssens | Chris Steyaert
On Practicing Diversity
Organizational Worldmaking through Exploration, Experimentation, and Engagement
E-Book
05/2025
1st Edition
Bristol University Press
€40.99
Available for download
Persons
Maddy Janssens is Professor in the Department of Work and Organisation Studies at KU Leuven, Belgium.
Chris Steyaert is Professor of Organizational Psychology at the University of St Gallen, Switzerland.
Chris Steyaert is Professor of Organizational Psychology at the University of St Gallen, Switzerland.
Content
Introduction
1. Blockages of Practicing Diversity in an Inhospitable Organizational Space
2. Organizing Multiplicity through a Nexus of Practices
3. Performing the Multiplicitous Self through Queering Identity
4. Multiplicity, Attunement, and Organizational Worldmaking in Dance
Conclusion
1. Blockages of Practicing Diversity in an Inhospitable Organizational Space
2. Organizing Multiplicity through a Nexus of Practices
3. Performing the Multiplicitous Self through Queering Identity
4. Multiplicity, Attunement, and Organizational Worldmaking in Dance
Conclusion