SWE - Fall 2008 - (Page 90)

BOOK REVIEW huge bottom-line toll. “Every time a manager is allowed to get away with harassing behavior, racially insensitive jokes, or sexually explicit comments … the employee cynicism index goes up.” (p. 35) Dr. Klein points out that the “repetitive costs of workplace bigotry and harassment are far higher than the price tag of a single lawsuit” (p. 161), asking how many companies would buy off an employee who exposes embezzlement — a frequent practice when the harasser is a rainmaker. Such practices are short term and ignore the long-term costs of bias. Employees who leave because they are victims of a protected harasser tell others about their experience, damaging the reputation of the company and affecting future recruiting efforts. Unhappy employees often move to positions in related industries where they have the power to withhold business or direct it elsewhere. In Chapter 6, Giving Notice offers practical advice to CEOs on “Dismantling Barriers to Achievement” in three categories: policies governing inappropriate behavior, which are typically designed to limit liability rather than create change; problem-solving channels, which need to be clear, secure, and accessible; and effective training for managers and employees. Dr. Klein argues that the traditional methods of dealing with barriers — emphasizing legal reprisals and reporting problems to managers — don’t work. “The corporate standard — waiting for problems to be reported — falls short in three key areas: confidentiality, inclusiveness, and early warning signs.” (p. 84) The following chapter, “Know the Signs from Outside,” offers equally sound advice to job seekers on how to effectively gauge the workplace environment before accepting an offer or even deciding to consider a company. Most job-seeking advice focuses on understanding the broad issues, rather than what an employee’s actual experience will be. Dr. Klein provides an assessment checklist to address this. Meritocracy versus familiarity The summary chapter, “Toward a New Framework,” explores the shortcomings of the perceived meritocracy, corporate handling of workplace bigotry and harassment, affirmative action programs, and current laws in today’s working environments. Challenging the cherished notion that U.S. companies are exemplars of meritocracy, Dr. Klein raises the issue of “mirror meritocracies,” in which “familiar” candidates are selected over equally qualified, but non-familiar candidates. The book explores what the practical cost of those decisions is, including the loss of unique talents that people The Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship Program (SFFP) promotes communication between research faculty and United States Air Force research scientists and engineers. The SFFP provides an opportunity for hands-on exposure to Air Force research challenges through eight to twelve week research residencies at participating facilities for full-time science and engineering faculty at U.S. colleges and universities. The SFFP offers a competitive stipend and relocation allowances are available to those who qualify. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. Potential fellows must contact an advisor at one of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Technical Directorates, the U.S. Air Force Academy, or the Air Force Institute of Technology. A list of advisors can be found on the program website. Visit www.asee.org/sffp to apply online. Deadline: NOVEMBER 21, 2008 90 SWE FALL 2008 http://www.asee.org/sffp http://www.asee.org/sffp

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SWE - Fall 2008

SWE - Fall 2008 Heritage Club Contents Farewell Message from FY08 President Michelle Tortolani Congratulations SWE Magazine A Conversation with FY09 President Virginia Connolly, P.E. Introducing the FY09 Board of Directors View from the Executive Suite Editor's Page Public Policy Update SWE Retention Study, Part 6 Membership Information & Calendar A&B SWE Member Kristina Johnson First Woman to Receive John Fritz Medal University Labs Fuel a New Era in Energy Women Engineering Leaders in Academe 2008 Opening the Gateways to Engineering Your Collegiate Section History is Waiting to Be Discovered Honoring the Legacy of Ada Pressman, P.E. Report from WEPAN Engineering World Proposed Bylaws Amendments Point of View Correction Career Toolbox Corporate Partnership Council Book Review SWE Smiles In Memory Opportunity Index SWE Scrapbook

SWE - Fall 2008

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