Role of Leadership in Building Inclusive Diversity in Public Relations

Nilanjana Bardhan is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, USA. Karla Gower is a Professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations at the University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, USA.

• 1. Introduction 2. Public relations, diversity and inclusion: A story unpacked with a focus on leadership 3. Diversity and inclusion in the context of the United States 4. Leaders, leadership and D&I in public relations 5. Leaders speak: PR practitioner/educator/student views on D&I 6. A leadership model for inclusive diversity and equity in public relations 7. Conclusion

"Bardhan and Gower synthesize theories and DEI literature from multiple disciplines to provide fresh perspectives and practical insights to address organizational climate, diversity, and inclusion issues in public relations practice. This is a "must-read" book! Any leader in public relations and public relations faculty members and students will find this book's lessons useful--as the insights contained within are a needed contribution and signpost to guide future "needle-moving" efforts and DEI pursuits in public relations education and practice."Damion Waymer, Professor and Chair of Advertising & Public Relations, The University of Alabama, USA"An artful balance of storytelling and data insights underpinned by academic rigor, the contextual buildup with each chapter of this book culminates with an unprecedented, pragmatic Leadership Model for Inclusive Diversity in Public Relations. It features recommended approaches for 1) accelerating DE&I progress and 2) eroding the field's glaring resistance to change, often masked by the cunning lip service of skilled communicators. The authors' findings are compelling for aspiring and current industry leaders."Carmella Glover, President, Diversity Action Alliance, USA"This book makes an enormous contribution toward addressing one of the most important issues facing U.S. public relations professionals in the coming years: the need for measurable, impactful, and faster progress on "building inclusive diversity" in the PR profession. The authors make a compelling case that leaders embrace the idea that 'the horse of inclusion pulls the cart of diversity, and not the other way around,' and that leaders must be more responsible and accountable for actions that foster inclusive, equitable internal cultures. Every PR leader should read this and build on the model Bardhan and Gower propose for advancing the D&I imperative facing all of us."Patrick Ford, Professional in Residence, College of Journalism and Communications University of Florida, USA"This book should become a 'go-to' resource for anyone in public relations interested in issues of diversity, equity and inclusion generally, and for understanding the importance of leadership to successful D&I initiatives specifically. Written by two of our field’s leaders, it weaves the current generation of D&I literature, highlights where we are, where we’re headed, and what questions remain."Dean Mundy, Associate Professor, University of Oregon, USA"Bardhan and Gower offer an in-depth understanding of the relationship between leadership responsibility and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of public relations. This book is a timely call to PR leadership that they must be accountable, take decisive action, and make an indelible impact on DEI. The model for practicing inclusive diversity that Bardhan and Gower have developed is why this is a "must-read" book for educators, students, and professionals. Leaders who wish to have a practical approach to developing inclusive and diverse organizational cultures will find this book helpful and informative."Bill Imada, Chairman, IW Group, USA"This book brings an important and mostly missing perspective to the forefront of discussions around diversity and inclusion -- the need for leadership to rise to the occasion and champion the cause of D&I rather than relegate it to others. It provides a path to building a better discipline based in belonging and focused on how D&I bring opportunities to those who make it a core value of their leadership, organizations, and PR efforts."Brigitta R. Brunner, Professor, Auburn University, USA"[The authors] bring forth a novel approach to addressing DEI issues in public relations through a masterful dissection of current industry practices, leadership models, and DEI literature. [...] Well written, pivotal, and thought provoking, The Role of Leadership in Building Inclusive Diversity in Public Relations would do well as required reading for university students interested in progress in the field of public relations."G. Nicolosi, The Pennsylvania State University, for CHOICE July 2023