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Stereotype Threat at Work (Strategies for reducing stereotype threat…
Stereotype Threat at Work
Psychological experience of person who is engaged in task is aware of stereotype about his/her group that will impact outcome of performing said task
Can disrupt performance
Steele & Aronson - Black and White test
negative comparisons between groups can invoke stereotype threat
People feel they are being judged on ability to perform certain tasks
Conditions for Stereotype Threat
Situation specific
Occurs when there is a stereotype associated with the group
The stereotype says task requires something not held by group
Task difficulty
Frustration = trigger for stereotype threat
Difficult task stereotype threat leads to concern about performance
Am I being judged because of
x
?
Real world problem - hard tasks are part of job, but don't want to exacerbate stereotype threat
Personal task investment
Performing well is important to self esteem & identity
People tend to be invested in tasks they are good at
"capable members of stereotyped groups tend to be affected by stereotype threat"
Manager - have to still coax those who seem most competent (especially if susceptible to stereotype threat)
Strategies for reducing stereotype threat
Individual mind over matter
Provide task strategy
Address stereotype directly
Women less aggressive in negotiations example
Teach employees behavioral strategies
Reduce stereotype relevance of task
Stress common characteristics of employees that pertain to task
Not emphasizing gender/race etc. differences
Provide another reason for task difficulty
Remind employees of real life factors (deadline, resources, clients)
Change context
Boost role models
Implications for Diversity Management
Change Managers' attitudes and behaviors
Changing stereotypes is long term endeavor
performance may show bias, so need to be aware
Acknowledge stereotypes & address directly
lead to corrective action
Shift focus from manager to environment
reduce cues within work environment