#workplace integration

“During these seismic times, as we witness and support historic and catalytic movements such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, professional organizations are obligated to take action to stop any form of identity-based injustice. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are now recognized as more than just the injection of minority hires into companies, but instead as a way of making the most of the unique strengths of a multiracial, gender-balanced, and interconnected workforce. By introducing a process like FTIL [Forging Team Inclusiveness Loop], leaders can more effectively help their teams break down the silos created by otherness and, through intergroup contact focused on nonwork activities, foster a sense of belonging, authenticity, and meaning for all team members. Ultimately, exploring our otherness can help us discover our sameness.”

“FTIL is represented structurally as an infinity sign in order to symbolize the flexible and adaptable nature of the synergistic process (exhibit). Its structure also indicates that there is no start or end to the process of working to create powerful bonds, acceptance, and fairness among teams and leaders.”

“The Four Steps of FTIL:

Exploring Hidden Identity

Exploring Narratives

Exploring Otherness

Exploring Spontaneity”

McKinsey, February 12, 2021: “Countering otherness: Fostering integration within teams,’ by Sabah Alam Hydari

"Integrating the workplace: A retrospective on the 50th anniversary of 'Plans for Progress,' is a multidisciplinary conference focusing on workplace integration in the post-World War II era. It will examine the origins and development of workplace integration from the 1960s to the present day, especially the period of 1960-1990. The conference will take place on October 14-15, 2011, on the campus of Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The close proximity of Lockheed, a key player in Georgia in 1951, makes Kennesaw State a logical location for such a conference. The Archives, Rare Books & Records Management division at Kennesaw State also houses the Gordon, Kruse, Wentzel Collection, which may be of interest to those presenting or attending the conference.

The conference seeks proposals from a variety of fields, including history, sociology, management, economics, labor studies, and any other relevant discipline. Presenters include:

Gavin Wright, William Coe Professor of American History, Stanford University

Frank Dobbin, Professor of Sociology, Harvard University

Terry Anderson, Professor of History, Texas A&M University

Robert A. Pratt, Professor of History, University of Georgia

David Roediger, Kendrick C. Babcock Professor of History, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The conference is sponsored by several units at Kennesaw State University including:

Shaw Industries Distinguished Chair in Business and Economic History

Archives, Rare Books & Records Management

Center for Regional History & Culture

American Studies Program

Office of Diversity and Inclusion