Summary

Black professionals in business have become an important grouping in South African society. But this is a relatively recent development. Defining Moments presents the stories of three decades of black executives, drawing on significant aspects of management theory and practice in the context of the changing socio-economic conditions that prevailed in each decade. The first generation of black professionals who braved the corporate world in the 1970s was handicapped by Bantu Education and apartheid legislation, but they were imbued with a vigorous culture of debate born of the struggle. During the 1980s they increased in numbers and included black females with qualifications in commerce and finance. The 1990's generation was supported by changes in the political landscape in South Africa which gave birth to the country's new democracy and universally admired Constitution. This book offers the experiences and attitudes of black executives of the past three decades to future generations and invites professionals to use this book as a tool to create a better understanding and bridge the gap between cultures.