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Stereotype Threat at Work (Conditions for Stereotype Threat (Stereotype…
Stereotype Threat at Work
Conditions for Stereotype Threat
Stereotype relevance to the task
Task doesn't need to be in test form, relevance doesn't need to be explicity
Task difficulty
Performance most impacted by stereotype threat when task is hard, frustration plays large role
Personal task investment
People who identify with particular skill eager to prove they're skilled, those invested in task more negatively affected by stereotype threat
Context
Relevance of stereotype to task impacted by existing diversity (tokenism), repeated exposure to stereotype threat can lead person to disengage
Interrupting the Stereotype Threat Process
Provide a successful task strategy
Teach affected employees behavioral strategies for improving performance and countering negative stereotypes (coping strategies)
Reduce stereotype relevance of task
Explicitly disavow stereotype's relevance to task, emphasize shared characteristics
Provide alternative explanation for task difficulty
Remind employees about factors that may constrain performance, telling employees they may feel anxious because of stereotype threat
Change the context
Remove people from token situations, presenting role model who contradicts stereotype
Takeaways for Managers
Acknowledge stereotypes and address them directly
Shift focus from manager to environment
Stereotype Threat
People are afraid of inadvertently confirming negative stereotype of themselves, the fear usually results in poorer performance, thus reinforcing the stereotype
Even high status groups experience stereotype threat, whites afraid of being perceived as racist
No consensus on why stereotype threat reduces performance, most explanations point to anxiety