Confronting Prejudice and Stereotypes: A Teaching Model

Abstract

ABSTRACT: As the demographics of the workforce continue to change dramatically and the globalization of the marketplace escalates, it becomes increasingly important for employees, managers, and leaders to value differences and to work effectively with people who have various cultures, backgrounds, races, genders, sexual orientations, and languages. The competencies and skills necessary for effectively working across these boundaries do not necessarily come naturally, and it is increasingly essential for organizations to provide opportunities for people to develop the capacity to deal with volatile issues such as diversity, prejudice, and stereotyping. These issues, which lie at the heart of many problematic interpersonal conflicts and systemic dysfunctionalities, are extremely difficult to address in learning situations, whether classroom or boardroom. In this article, we present a management development experience based on the notion that sharing accurate information, developing self awareness, and enhancing the capacity for empathy lead to heightened awareness of the negative consequences of prejudice and stereotyping and quite possibly encourage people to consider adopting more effective attitudes and behaviors. Specifically, we present a conceptual framework upon which diversity education initiatives may be based and a brief activity entitled, “Prejudice in Our Lives,” which has proven very effective in both higher education and management development venues.