1 Perception, Stereotypes, and Diversity OS 386 September 10, 2002 Fisher

2 Agenda In-class writing – reactions to diversity article Review theories on perception Discuss how perceptual errors affect OB Discuss organizational diversity

3 In-class writing How do stereotypes affect organizations’ efforts to improve workplace diversity? How does giving minority employees “great jobs” help improve workplace diversity?

4 A little context…. When do stereotypes and perceptual errors affect organizational life? Why is it important to study these concepts?

5 Perception does not always equal reality Humans filter reality –Selective attention mechanisms allow us to perceive some things and ignore other things Why? –Prevent cognitive overload –Maintain perceptual defenses

6 Organizing our perceptions Perceptual grouping Closure Mental models These techniques help us manage large volumes of information, but can create problems

7 Social Identity Theory People develop self-perceptions through personal identity and social identity –What makes me unique? –What do I have in common with others? Tend to select comparisons that make us look good Use in-group/out-group comparisons to make judgments about others

8 Stereotyping Very common phenomenon, consistent with perceptual theories What is the problem with stereotypes? –Do not accurately describe all group members –People develop and use inaccurate stereotypes –We use inaccurate stereotypes to enhance our own identity –Foundation of prejudice (negative emotions related to stereotypes)

9 Attribution Theory What caused a particular action or event? –Student is late for class –Employee misses an important meeting –Supervisor yells at employee who makes a mistake Can be making erroneous judgments about people – and often the perception sticks

10 Making attributions Assessment of behavioral patterns –Consistency –Distinctiveness –Consensus Fundamental Attribution Error Self-serving bias

11 Self-Fulfilling Prophecies Pygmalion effect – positive expectations lead to positive performance in another Galatea effect – having high self- expectations leads to high performance Golem effect - negative expectations lead to negative performance in another

12 Classic example – succession planning systems Young employees screened for “high potential” HP employees are then provided with –Development experiences –High profile mentors –First opportunity for challenging jobs

13 Other Common Perceptual Errors Primacy – first opinion creates a lasting opinion Recency – focusing on events of recent past when making a judgment Halo – general impression affects other judgments Projection bias – others share my beliefs

14 Perception and diversity Perceptual errors can detract from organizational diversity efforts Have to overcome –Stereotypes –Traditional social comparisons –Historical patterns (promotion through “buddy system” or other traditional networks

15 Why is diversity important in organizations? Business reasons –Competitive advantage –Larger pool of applicants Social reasons –Fairness –Role modeling

16 Leader in diversity efforts: Proctor and Gamble Community involvement –Scholarship programs –Minority supplier development ($315 million) Actively recruits diverse employees Example policies and programs –Two-day diversity training for all employees –Same sex partner benefits –Discretionary days to be used for non-majority holidays

17 Improving Perceptions Individual –Examine your reactions –Take the time to get to know people –Use multiple ways of communicating Fewer biases in on-line communication Organizational interventions –Performance appraisal rater training –Diversity initiatives (e.g., training)

18 For next class Topic: Personality Read Chapter 3, pp –Why is personality important in organizations? –How are personality traits used to predict employee behavior?