1 Asian Americans In Corporate America: Some Questions & Challenges ECC Brown Bag Jim Kelly Senior Vice President, TDBU

2 Topics Defining Diversity Defining Diversity Statistics on Asian Americans Statistics on Asian Americans Stereotypes of Asian Americans Stereotypes of Asian Americans Working the Issue from All Sides Working the Issue from All Sides Emerging Resources Emerging Resources

3 What is Diversity – Why Do We Want It? Definition of Diverse: 1 : Differing from one another : unlike 1 : Differing from one another : unlike unlike 2 : Composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities 2 : Composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities Synonyms: see different different We often mistake diversity for equality, equal opportunity -- or even sameness! We often mistake diversity for equality, equal opportunity -- or even sameness! Why is diversity such a good thing for our Company? Why is diversity such a good thing for our Company?

4 Harsh Fact: Asian Americans, compared with all other groups, are less likely to rise to management levels Source: EEOC 2003

5 Harsh Fact: Despite high academic achievement and qualifications, Asian Americans’ career and leadership attainment declines after graduation 1 Time Achievement Point of Demarcation Educational Trend Career/Leadership Trend Asian Mainstream Illustrative 1 Source: Cabezas & Kawaguch, 1988; Chen, 2004; Committee 100, 2005; Federal Glass Ceiling Commission, 1995; Kuo, 1979; Landau, 1995; Oyserman & Sakamoto, 1997; Schmid & Nobe, 1965; Tang, 1993; U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 1988, 1992; Wong, 1982; Woo, 2001

6 Harsh Fact: Asian Americans have lower leadership aspiration and confidence in their leadership abilities than Caucasian Americans Source: Dr. Sy Research

7 Harsh Fact: Asian Americans are less likely to be perceived as prototypical leaders Source: Dr. Sy Research

8 NY Times: Report Takes Aim at ‘Model Minority’ Stereotype of Asian-American Students Report found: Contrary to stereotype, most of the bachelor’s degrees that AAs received in 2003 were in business, management, social sciences or humanities, not in the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering or math. Contrary to stereotype, most of the bachelor’s degrees that AAs received in 2003 were in business, management, social sciences or humanities, not in the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering or math. The report quotes the opening to W. E. B. Du Bois’s 1903 classic “The Souls of Black Folk” — “How does it feel to be a problem?” — and says that for AAs, seen as the “good minority that seeks advancement through quiet diligence in study and work and by not making waves,” the question is, “How does it feel to be a solution?” The report quotes the opening to W. E. B. Du Bois’s 1903 classic “The Souls of Black Folk” — “How does it feel to be a problem?” — and says that for AAs, seen as the “good minority that seeks advancement through quiet diligence in study and work and by not making waves,” the question is, “How does it feel to be a solution?” The under-representation of Asian-Americans in administrative jobs at colleges. Only 33 of the nation’s college presidents, fewer than 1% are AAs. The under-representation of Asian-Americans in administrative jobs at colleges. Only 33 of the nation’s college presidents, fewer than 1% are AAs. The image of AAs as a homogeneous group of high achievers taking over the campuses of the nation’s most selective colleges came under assault in a report issued by New York University, the College Board and a commission of mostly AA educators and community leaders. New York UniversityCollege BoardNew York UniversityCollege Board

9 What Are Some American Stereotypes About Asians? AA Attribute Perception/Outcome “Model Minority” Ignored Group Strong work ethic “Keep your head down and don’t complain” Highly educated “Can make their own way” Quantitative/Detailed “Can’t think strategically or creatively” QuietAfraid RespectfulTimid Team Players Followers, not leader Thoughtful Voice Indecisive Others………

10 Some Questions… Why do Asian Americans have lower leadership aspirations and less confidence in their leadership abilities? Why are Asian Americans not perceived as prototypical leaders? What can be done to address these issues?

11 Working the Issues from Both Ends… Corporate executives must be sensitized to AA issues, culture and untapped potential Corporate executives must be sensitized to AA issues, culture and untapped potential “Model Minority” must not be the “Ignored Group” “Model Minority” must not be the “Ignored Group” Leadership pipeline must contain AAs…or corporations will not have AA leaders! Leadership pipeline must contain AAs…or corporations will not have AA leaders! AAs must take personal and collective affirmative steps to highlight their issues and develop leadership skills necessary to break through stereotypes AAs must take personal and collective affirmative steps to highlight their issues and develop leadership skills necessary to break through stereotypes Supportive resources must be developed, recognized and seized Supportive resources must be developed, recognized and seized

12 Resources Are Emerging… AAPA – Asian American Professional Association AAPA – Asian American Professional Association LEAP - Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics LEAP - Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics Ascend (leadership development conference) Ascend (leadership development conference) Apex (Asian Professional Exchange) Apex (Asian Professional Exchange) National Association of Asian American Professionals National Association of Asian American Professionals Asian Women in Business Asian Women in Business Stanford Graduate School Advanced Leadership Program for Emerging Asian American Executives Stanford Graduate School Advanced Leadership Program for Emerging Asian American Executives Asia Society Asia Society All and others can be found on the internet!