Blacks quit companies because of Dear White Boss Caver & Livers Blacks quit companies because of Feelings of Alienation Perceptions of Low Competency Lack of Trust in Workplace Relationships Poor Management of Diversity

Why do Blacks feel alienated? Blacks are perceived.. As a group Similar to each other Assume personal relationships among all Blacks As threatening See also Stephan & Stephan Readings

Implications of perceptions of low competency Lowers Blacks perceptions of their own competency and motivation Self-stereotyping Wasted energy in having to impression-manage Whites’ perceptions of one’s direct reports Negative stereotypes limit job opportunities, promotion opportunities, placement into appropriate levels, mentoring relationships See also Human Rights doc

Lack of Trust in Workplace Relationships Why? Hidden negative attitudes surface occasionally So What? Risk taking at work is minimal Incomplete contribution at work

How to Improve Diversity Management Recognize that heterogeneous groups… make better decisions have better problem solving skills are more creative deal more effectively with complex challenges Acknowledge different experiences of Blacks and Whites (see also Human Rights doc) Recognize the importance of managing multi-ethnic constituencies (e.g., customers, stockholders) Develop shared understanding & language on how to address differences or miscommunications Build Learning circles See also Cox