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Stereotype Threat at Workplace

   

Added on  2021-06-16

7 Pages2066 Words36 Views
RUNNING HEAD: Organizational BehaviorOrganizational Behavior

Organizational Behavior 1Stereotyping can be defined as the process of allocating traits to people based on their membership in a social category. It is an extension of the theory of social identity and a result of organizing information through definite thinking. There are three elements of stereotyping. Firstly, social categories are developed and traits are assigned that are complicated to observe. To some extent, stereotypes are framed by personal experiences but are mainly delivered throughmedia images and cultural upbringing. Secondly, one or more than one social categories are assigned to people on the basis of information that is easily observable about them such as appearance, gender or physical location (Koch, D'Mello, & Sackett, 2015). Thirdly, non- observable traits linked with the group are assigned to people who seem like belonging to a stereotyped group.It is often said that “It is better to rely on stereotypes than to enter into a relationship with someone from another culture without any idea of what they believe in” (Mcshane, 2011) There are a number of merits and problems of this statement. One of the merits of this statement include that is a non- conscious energy- saving process which results in an ease in understanding the world. On the other hand, when a relationship is entered with someone belonging to another culture, it is hard to understand their ideas and believes (King & Bryant, 2017). The features of a stereotype can be easily remembered than the grouping of features that are unique to everyone. Moreover, there is always an inborn need for understanding and anticipating the manner in which others are likely to behave. When meeting someone for the first time, there is not much availability of information and therefore stereotypes are relied upon for the purpose of filling in the missing pieces. Higher tendency for relying upon stereotypes are found in people having robust requirement for cognitive closure. The merits of relying on stereotypes also include the enhancement of self- concept (Ying Liao, Soltani, Wang & Iqbal, 2017). The process of social identity includes differentiation which means that a person always have more favorable opinion regarding the member of their own group in comparison with the member of some other group. When working relationship is entered with a person belonging to other culture, diversity management becomes necessary. Moreover, it becomes difficult to understand what is going on in the mind of other person.

Organizational Behavior 2For example, it is the job of the manager to meet a new person everyday who may belong to another culture. Generally, the first thing done in such as situation is to collect the required information regarding the culture of the concerned person and then developing cultural profile. Such profiles are considered to be highly generalized. With the help of such profile, the use of stereotyping is made for the purpose of making assumptions regarding believes and character of the person (Duguid & Thomas-Hunt, 2015). Similarly, there are some problems of this statement. It cannot be said that stereotypes are altogether fictional but it is also not true that they are capable of accurately describing each and every person in a social category. Another problem with relying on stereotypes is that it lays the basis for discriminatory behavior and attitudes. The occurrence of this perceptual bias is as systemic or unintentional discrimination where the establishment of notions related to “ideal” person in a particular role is made by the decision makers by relying upon stereotypes (Truxillo, Finkelstein, Pytlovany & Jenkins, 2015). Comparatively less favorable evaluation is received by a person who does not fit the criteria of an ideal person. Therefore, the main problem with stereotyping occurs when it turns out to be inaccurate, particularly those inaccuracies are hostile and negative. Relying on stereotyping can even result into employment discrimination as there can be a number of distortion and errors. It is not possible that a person perfectly fits into the category of stereotype which can lead to the assigning of untrue traits. Moreover, stereotyping also results in difficulty for people in altering their beliefs regarding the traits of a person that arein conflict with the stereotype (Griffin & Moorhead, 2011). The workplace is considered to be a place for mistreatment and abuse when people engage in stereotypes within the organization. Some basic actions and comments are used by people for thepurpose of testing these preconceived notions. In the workplace, if such initial behaviors are not addressed on time, then it may result in framing the opinion of employees that the culture acceptsor promotes open displays of mistreatment or discrimination on the basis of personal qualities. The problem is only escalated by this belief (Emerson & Murphy, 2014). Another problem with stereotyping is that it can lower the morale of the groups or individuals impacted and have the capability of making the whole workplace toxic. Even those workers and

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