Book Review: The Theory of Being: Practices for Transforming Self and Communities Across Difference

The Theory of Being: Practices for Transforming Self and Communities Across Difference is a book based on a 20‐year research study conducted by the Being Research Collaborative team, which researches process‐oriented approaches for disrupting dehumanizing practices in organizations, helping communities to thrive. The theory teaches ways to be with Differences and offers liberating strategies for engaging in constructive dialogue. Skillfully integrate existing literature, research, and reflections to take readers on a profound journey that centers on difficult dialogues among individuals with diverse perspectives. The book's primary audience is intended for higher education professionals, staff, business leaders, managers, and undergraduate and graduate students. The current book, with its emphasis on dialogue, signifies a commitment to actionable practices that have the potential to benefit organizations and educational institutions across the United States and worldwide. The current review begins with a summary of the book, outlining its contributions to higher education and highlighting its limitations.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Leadership Studies
Published
2026-02-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/jls.70038
Primary Topic
Workplace Spirituality and Leadership
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Book Review: The Theory of Being: Practices for Transforming Self and Communities Across Difference

Mavis Gyesi
Journal of Leadership Studies
Workplace Spirituality and Leadership
article

Book Review: The Theory of Being: Practices for Transforming Self and Communities Across Difference

Mavis Gyesi
article en

Abstract

The Theory of Being: Practices for Transforming Self and Communities Across Difference is a book based on a 20‐year research study conducted by the Being Research Collaborative team, which researches process‐oriented approaches for disrupting dehumanizing practices in organizations, helping communities to thrive. The theory teaches ways to be with Differences and offers liberating strategies for engaging in constructive dialogue. Skillfully integrate existing literature, research, and reflections to take readers on a profound journey that centers on difficult dialogues among individuals with diverse perspectives. The book's primary audience is intended for higher education professionals, staff, business leaders, managers, and undergraduate and graduate students. The current book, with its emphasis on dialogue, signifies a commitment to actionable practices that have the potential to benefit organizations and educational institutions across the United States and worldwide. The current review begins with a summary of the book, outlining its contributions to higher education and highlighting its limitations.

Journal of Leadership StudiesVol. 19(4)
University of Iowa (US), Iowa Department of Education (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 63%
Workplace Spirituality and Leadership
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Book Review: The Theory of Being: Practices for Transforming Self and Communities Across Difference — Mavis Gyesi · Journal of Leadership Studies (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS