Stereotyping, Discrimination and Biases
A stereotype is a situation where people use prior assumptions when describing or dealing with specific social groups. In dealing with diverse group, people tend to rely on their own thoughts that a certain group is associated with specific things. Rather than using factual knowledge, people use beliefs which do not draw realistic conclusion about the group (Nelson, 2015). Bias can be defined as a situation where people create systematic errors on rigid notions in decision making. Bias can be demonstrated either in gender, race, age and more. Individuals perform bias with different purposes by using preconceived ideas. Discrimination refers to a situation where individuals from specific group are denied their equal rights or are excluded from available opportunities (Nelson, 2015). For example in the place of work, a manager may employ male worker to work in a specific task and deny a female worker the opportunity by regarding her as inferior. Discrimination is also a general term which applies in the community where some people do not access economic, political, social and cultural benefits. In discrimination, human rights are violated and people do not enjoy the fundamental rights (Nelson, 2015).
It is important to be aware of discrimination in order to put appropriate actions. First, before taking action, it is important to understand the various forms of discrimination in the place of work. For example, there is age discrimination where old employees are fired or younger employees are promoted (Chin, 2004). Disability discrimination may occur where manager’s fails to promote disabled people and care less on their working conditions. Gender discrimination is the most known form of discrimination where female are denied opportunities than men. Women are also sexually harassed and do not reach the highest level positions (Chin, 2004). Racial discrimination is also common where employees get unequal treatment because of their race. Having understood some forms of discrimination, people should react toward discrimination and confront by speaking to the person to change behaviors. You can directly communicate to the person or use supervisory authority. In addition, awareness is important as it will allow organizational members to solve the issue by spending time together and know each other (Chin, 2004). Through interaction, individual will avoid creating bias in future. Awareness will allow people to learn about diverse cultures and understand the importance of culture in creating a democratic society.
The importance of awareness in teamwork and hiring decisions is that the organization will implement workplace policies and adhere to the anti-discrimination laws (Nelson, 2015). For example, in teamwork, people will try to avoid bias and discrimination by valuing diversity and its importance in fostering relation. Awareness will also allow individuals to embrace uniquesness of diverse cultures, understand differences, respect the culture and create a healthy relationship (Nelson, 2015). By recognizing the various forms of bias in place work, it is easier to build a harmonious environment and the organizational members will focus on cooperation and moving the business forward.
In the hiring process, managers will value the different culture and focus on hiring diverse applicants who will share knowledge and skills in achieving the business goals (Nelson, 2015). Mangers will be in a better place of nurturing the organization by embracing the interests of people from diverse culture who will be supportive to each other. Awareness will eliminate the perspective of counterproductive exercise and focus on workforce diversity. Last awareness will help the organization adhere to antidiscrimination law which will ensure a fair hiring process (Nelson, 2015).
Reference
Nelson D. Todd. (2015). Handbook of Prejudice, Stereotyping, and Discrimination: 2nd Edition. Psychology Press
Chin, J. L. (2004). The psychology of prejudice and discrimination: 3. Westport, Conn. [u.a.: Praeger Publ.
