Racism and the lack of diversity in the workplace, not what you think.

What this conversation is about.

Let me set the pace here, there is a lot of racism, a lot, in the South African work environment, a lot! Both overt and subversive. This article is Not about that. Rather, it is about cultural issues that inadvertently create hostile work environments and are often mis-construed as racism.

Where there are genuine attempts to solve diversity and inclusiveness Issues in the workplace. I am going to help you with some perspective.

Highly Intelligent Black people typically have a very difficult time in the Corporate environment and will often exit many opportunities as a result citing Racism or a lack of good opportunities.

On the other hand, many companies, many multinationals with big pockets and large networks have difficulty finding good talent and often cite a lack of good talent.

GENERALLY SPEAKING, BOTH THESE GROUPS ARE WRONG, HERE'S WHY:

White People

White People exist in rigidly structured, hierarchical social environments governed by a set of rigid rules, where one has to "Go along to get along” to be included in the community. The more closely the community members follow these rules, the more successful they are and so everybody in these communities is encouraged to follow these rules to attain that success. In these social environments, the loyalty is to the individual and their needs first. This is also why White People ignore Racism because challenging it means you are ostracized, isolated and permanently excluded from the group. This is why apartheid lasted so long and why racism is so pervasive. This rigidity in White Society is enforced by ostracization and public humiliation of dissenters. The same level of fellowship of the rules that exists in White societies is enforced through violence and subjugation in Black societies because that is not the norm. Hence Colonial & Apartheid violence.

Black People

Black People exist in loosely structured, loosely organized, non-hierarchical social environments, where the loyalty is to the Group and the group is governed by "Moral code of conduct" that encompasses all aspects of everyday life. The closest reference being the Tenet of "Ubuntu". This means that you will find that the most successful people in these groups are those who are the most Independent and operate with a very high degree of latitude to do what they see fit. The more intelligent a Black Professional/Executive is, the higher their degree and desire for Independence. This is why you will also find that White employees who work under Black leaders will complain that "he doesn't do this, he doesn't do that, he didn't follow this, he didn't follow that".

How these Cultural Differences Manifest in the Work Environment

Intelligent, successful White Executives tend to be those who Understand the rules, play the game, and encourage others to follow the rules in addition to enforcing them. Highly Intelligent and Independent White leaders who break rules are often revered as a result i.e. Elon Musk, Steve Jobs etc.

Two types of Black Professionals exist; The independent ones and those “who follow the rules”. Independent Black Professionals will often say "They (meaning their White Boss and Colleagues) are doing everything in their power to frustrate and sabotage me, they want to control me and everything I do or say".

The Dreaded Christmas Party

Additionally, you will find that Black employees are frustrated by activities such as team-building exercises and year-end functions. They find them, unnecessary, unfair and in extreme cases, humiliating. Their White colleagues will typically find these activities helpful for group dynamics and promote kinship and unity among themselves. This is because White people’s loyalty is first to themselves (individuals) and then to the group. So any activities that promote group kinship are helpful.

Black employees typically do not like these and find them unnecessary. This is because, for Black people, by default, the loyalty is to the group and the group first and the Individual second. This means they will seek to establish kinship day-to-day. That is why your Black colleagues greet you daily, smile at you every time you look in their direction. This is how they exist in their everyday life. This is also why your White colleagues ignore you, it is not that they are racists or assholes, it is because that’s how they exist.

What it all boils down to

What is often mischaracterized as “Defiant Troublemakers” or “Racist Managers” is all because of simple cultural differences that are not accounted for in corporate culture and hiring practices. Foreign White and Black professionals tend to do a much better job navigating the corporate environment in South Africa because this dynamic is immediately obvious to them and they are thus able to "engage people where they are".

In a world where diversity is key to business growth, your people strategy must account for who people are at a base level.

If you are ready to Supercharge your growth with fit for purpose inclusiveness strategy. Let's talk!

?#Racism #Inclusiveness #Diversity #Workplace #Violence #Apartheid