Chapter 12

Objectives Explain why diversity is a business issue Explain what happens to tokens in organizations. Explain the effects of increasing heterogeneity Describe dimensions of cultural differences Understand how to manage diversity in organizations

What Happens to Tokens? Assimilation via stereotyping Role encapsulation Contrast with majority Exaggerated, polarized differences Receive more attention Performance pressure Perceptual TendencyResult

Tokens Men = highest commitment levels in homogeneous groups. Male tokens more integrated into the group. –Males had lower commitment in mixed gender groups. Women = lower commitment in homogeneous groups. Female tokens less integrated into the group. –Females had higher commitment in mixed gender groups.

Tokens Whites = highest commitment levels in homogeneous groups. White tokens have low levels of satisfaction and commitment. – Whites had lower commitment in mixed race groups Non-whites = lower commitment in homogeneous groups. Non-white tokens had higher commitment. –Non-whites had higher commitment in mixed race groups.

Power and conflict explanations Social identity theory: the self-concept is socially constructed and situation specific. –One’s specific identities become salient in some situations. –Identities become salient in contrast to others

Power and conflict explanations Realistic conflict theory: traditional in-groups create policies that are favourable to the in- group and often unfavourable to the out- group. –As heterogeneity rises: low-status positions and potential difficulty in increasing status becomes more apparent. The potential loss of status becomes more apparent. Consequence is an increased potential for negative affect and conflict

Hofstede’s Value Dimensions of National Culture

...Hofstede’s Value Dimensions of National Culture

Contact Attitude training Behavior change – cognitive dissonance effects –Harassment and equity policies –Mentoring programs Integration of diverse populations