FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS - National Ingroup Bias in Multicultural Organizations: A Study of Lat

Research Dimensions

In order to answer the research questions, there was a focus of three dimensions which are: past experiences related to ingroup bias, company strategies, and what are the determinants of ingroup bias in organizations.

1. What are the experiences of ingroup bias in a multicultural organization of expatriates from Latin America? (Dimension 1: Experiences of Ingroup Bias)

2. What are some strategies implemented by managers to facilitate integration in a multicultural organization? (Dimension 2: Strategies by the organizations)

3. What are the determinants of national ingroup bias in a multicultural organization?

(Dimension 3: Success factor of organizational level strategies)

First the experience of Latin American participants is explained focusing in two different countries. The findings from the participants located in the United States and then the participants located in Dominican Republic. This is because the responses vary to a great extent when the participants’ location differed. The strategies that managers implement or organizations implement in the United States and Dominican Republic are different as well.

Table 4.1. shows the dimensions, locations and sub- themes found on each country.

Table 4.1.

Dimensions and countries’ sub-themes

Dimensions Location Sub- themes

2. Ingroup Bias

Experiences United States Language Barrier

Social and Cultural Background

Dominican Republic

Expressions and Gender Differences

Expectations of Discrimination

1. Company Strategies United States Employee Resource Group

Dominican Republic

Expressions and Gender differences

Expectations of Discrimination 3. Success factors of

organizational level

strategies United States ERGs Implementation

Dominican Republic Lack of Strategies

Expatriates’ Experience of Ingroup Bias

The experiences focused on, are in relation to expatriates, when they have had favoritism towards a member of their ingroup (national or Latin American). And from the point of view of the coworkers, is how they have viewed a favoritism within Latin American expatriates.

It was found that some participants have experiences regarding ingroup bias both in the United States and the Dominican Republic. In the United States the expatriates of Latin America (ingroup) would prefer to be around each other and tend to favor their own group (Latin Americans) in reference to other groups (outgroup) which in this case are Americans.

And for participants in the Dominican Republic it was less stated but the factor of gender was mentioned and viewed more from the observer perspective. From Haitian perspective it was strong since they had a strong favoritism to their ingroup (Haitians) towards their outgroup

(Dominicans).

For the dimension of experiences, participants locating in both countries had similar focus of communication. Although in Dominican Republic the communication level is related to expressions, since both expatriates and nationals speak Spanish, there is no misunderstanding on words specifically, but more in how they express themselves. And the second on in Dominican Republic is about expectation of discrimination from Haitian participant. Stating that they would prefer not to be around Dominicans since they would be oppressed. In the case of the United States, also focusing on communication, the levels are about language barrier, since English would be used as a second language, it was hard to understand and share ideas.

And also, the level of different social and cultural background; although words were understood, the context of why they were being said, was hard to understand. Table 4.1. gives an explanation on the sub-themes of each country.

Figure 4.1. Findings of experiences of participants located in U.S. and D.R.

Location: United States

In the case of expatriates from Latin America, it was decided to discuss the findings as one whole ingroup. Meaning that the participants felt more as a Latin American group as opposed to a person from a specific country of Latin America. This is due to participants expressing in the interviews that they view themselves as a Latin American instead as a person from a specific country of Latin America.

Difficulties in communication. One of the reasons expatriate participants were more prone to search and be around people of Latin America, was because they felt more comfortable communicating and be sure they were understood. They focused on two ways regarding verbal communication, English language capabilities; it is hard to say ideas out loud in another language. The language of the expatriates is Spanish and in the United States is English. And second just understanding the general cultural context of what the national (United States) was trying to express to the expatriate. As well as a feeling that other nationals would not understand what the expatriate would say and thus, moderating a behavior or preferring not to speak up as much as they would with someone from Latin America.

Language barrier. The following expatriate talks feeling relaxed and herself when she is talking to a Latin American. Saying that it is hard to talk in a different language to express herself and thus, not feeling as comfortable with an American as with a Latino.

Comparing the two interactions, I feel more comfortable, I feel like at home when I talk with a Latino. Even though they are not family. It is just that in English you cannot express yourself that well. So when I am speaking with a Latino, person I am more open and relaxed and myself. I am myself sometimes with Americans, it is just that it is not easy with my language. Ariana, Mexico (Expatriate)

An expatriate stated that the English language is “dry”, saying that when talking to Americans she feels that there is no fluidity in the conversation and not a clear mutual understanding of what is being said.

The most difficult part for me is the communication. Even though we are talking about the same thing, there is no fluidity in the conversation and we do not understand each other. That has been very hard. I think the English language is very dry, it is not like in our culture in Latin America, we are more open. I work every day with this lady who is also from Latin America, so I know we will understand each other perfectly and I would

always choose her or anyone that speaks my native language. With the people that I normally interact inside the company and outside the company is with people from Latin America or from my country Dominican Republic. Lucia, Colombia (Expatriate)

Social/cultural background. Aside from the experience of the expatriates saying they did not feel they could understand nationals, there was also an expectation of being understood by nationals or other cultures.

Expatriates experiences. As the following participant states, some Latin Americans do not feel comfortable with the idea of explaining or sharing some of their own culture to others to be more understood. She states having experiences of Latin Americans “rolling their eyes”, being annoyed of Americans having an interest on Latin American culture.

I will say we put that barrier there, Americans are like “Oh, so you, so you are Latino, that is cute. That is nice” and you can tell they want to know more about us. But then I can see people getting annoyed and rolling people's eyes instead of like interacting and actually teach. Nadia, Bolivia (Expatriate)

An expatriate participant also stated that even though she would understand the language and words, she could not understand the meaning of what was being said by Americans. And also saying that she felt Americans did not have a “thick skin” like Latin Americans, because they would get offended easily or not understand what Latin Americans mean and a different sense of humor. Also saying that she needed to act “normal” when around Americans in order to prevent any misunderstanding or discussion.

I understand what they are saying, I understand the language, the words but culturally I do not understand. It was like this weird feeling I do not even know what they are talking about. I cannot pick on them or tease them like to a Latino. Because with the Latinos I can joke around with no fear they will get offended. I can say indecent comments with the Latinos and they will laugh but Americans would get offended. They do not have a thick skin like us. With Americans, I feel like they are coworkers and I feel like I need to behave and be “normal”. Like not show that much of my Latino side. Soph, Colombia (Expatriate)

Coworkers experiences. Coworkers had an interesting view about Latin Americans when they talked about their experiences or their observations of expatriates with each other as well as with nationals. For example, the next quotations from an observer that said it was

hard for them to get Latin Americans to speak up about their ideas or suggestions, and if they do speak up, it is sometimes too late; not when the incident was happening or the disagreement.

And also feeling frustrated since there is not an understanding on why other cultures, in this case Latin America, behave the way they do.

It is more complicated because Latinos in general they speak up only when they have a problem, they keep it for themselves for a while and they observe and they observe.

And then when they speak up, it is, mostly too late and they then go to Americans or a chairman and you are like, yeah, what do you expect? John, United States (Observer)

The next participant states that Latin Americans would not find a solution to a problem if they were not given options to choose from. He states that if no options were given, then they would not know what to do.

It is so hard. And I think Americans, you can ask open or Germans and there will be easier to speak up for what they think, like opinions. And I think Latinos, you need to put them like in A, B or C, you need to give them options. If you do not give them options, they do not know. They will not find a solution. It is strange because it is a real thing and it is so interesting to observe that in Latinos and it is not a lazy thing. It is more like they just want options. If you do not give them options, they are like Yeah, whatever.

Leonardo, Germany (Observer)

Location: Dominican Republic

The experience for the expatriates in Dominican Republic was similar to the experience of those in the United States. Although in the United States, the expatriate participants from all Latin American see themselves as a group no matter where in Latin America they are from.

They tend to interact and look for each other’s company. In the United States, similarities within Latin Americans were more perceived. Whereas in the Dominican Republic, a country in Latin America, the differences between the Latin countries were better recognized.

Difficulties in communication. In this section, participants stated a view on how ways of expressions from different countries could lead to discussions or misunderstandings. Although they were more understood when they had to do with the same gender or if the expatriate was a male. These findings were mainly from the point of view of the coworkers.

Expressions and gender differences. In the companies from Dominican Republic, participants, specially coworkers, repeatedly stated the differences on gender from people of

different nationalities. There was a strong comparison between woman from Colombia and Venezuela, with those in Dominican Republic. They state that they had experienced or observed conflicts with women from other countries.

Coworkers experiences. An observer said that men from Colombia are very direct and talk loudly. This is understood by people and they know, according to her, that this is a cultural difference. But when a woman from Colombia behaves this way, it is not taken very well.

I have an experience that Colombian men are very direct, very frank. They say things to your face, sometimes you can think with a little arrogance, but it is also the way of being of the Colombian. When the Colombian man talks to you like that, you say okay is Colombian, Colombians talk like that. But when a Colombian woman talks to you like that, she tells you things very frankly and as they are, there are many people who take it very personally. What does this person think she is? It is a stronger issue of gender than nationality. Eva, Dominican Republic (Observer/Manager)

According to Rhadames, another observer, people from Dominican Republic do not usually say profanities during worktime but Colombians do. But the reactions of the Dominicans depend on their gender on both sides. Saying that the company has experienced altercations on how the people from Colombia communicate.

Dominicans do not use profanity much in the workplace, but Colombians do. It is knowing that this is your way of being day by day, so when it is between man and man it is easy. But when a woman arrives and the Colombian says bad words, the woman is going to take it very impolite. Colombian women speak the same as men, very loudly. I had problems when I had a partner who spoke like that and they called me from the same company that I should control her because she behaved like a mother. I also had clients who called me and said, hey tell her to calm down. I had to talk to her and tell her that she should write emails or speak a little softer and think that the other person is going to read it and understand it in a way that could feel disrespectful. Rhadames, Dominican Republic (Observer)

The following expatriate’s experiences are more about how she thinks the Dominicans work in relation with other countries like Colombia or Venezuela.

The Dominican is very neglected. You have to be on top of them because if not, they do not do things. For the Dominicans, it is normal if you do not do something, they

remain calm and do not care about the outcome. I have a very good impression of the Colombian people or other countries like my country Venezuela or Argentina. Liza, Venezuela (Expatriate)

Expectations of discrimination. Participants stated that there was a lack of trust between Haitian expatriates and people from Dominican Republic. It is a very common rivalry according to the interviewees and history between these two countries that share one island.

As a result of this, Haitians tend to avoid interactions with Dominicans since they expect they would be treated as inferiors.

Expatriate experiences. A participant from Haiti working in Dominican Republic as a consultant said that people from Haiti tend to not trust nationals (Dominican Republic citizens).

Stating that he has had experiences of discrimination towards him as well as others just for the fact of being a Haitian as well as other from Haitian descendent. Stating as well that normally people from Haiti tend to look for each for comfort when arriving to Dominican Republic.

There are people from Haiti that are very patriotic and say that here in Dominican Republic, food is taken away, work is taken away so we should not trust them. So as soon as Haitians come to Dominican Republic they come with an expectation of discrimination and try to be around each other for support and not have as much interaction with the Dominican. So, in my case I try not to trust the Dominican because I know they would not let me move up in the organization. Josh, Haiti (Expatriate)

He continues to talk about the lack of trust he has for people in Dominican Republic.

Stating that he knows what is going to happen, he will be taken advantage of, so there is no point on interacting with them.

When people ask about me, I tell them I cannot be replaced, there is no one like me. I know people will try to sabotage me. There is no point in trusting them, I know what they think of me so why would I care about them? Josh, Haiti (Expatriate)

Coworkers experiences. Observer had to say about people from Haiti and other countries and how they are viewed by people from Dominican Republic. She states that the perspective that Dominicans have towards Haitians are more negative than other nationalities.

One example of this, is when an observer compares the views on Haitians towards, in this case, Venezuelans.

These interactions with Haitians have never been positive and generally the Dominican tend to look down on them. But seeing so many Venezuelan here, I can see how different they are treated. We want them to work with us, we see them as people that will bring something positive to the company. It is a sad truth, but there is that difference with the Haitian and Venezuelan. Eva, Dominican Republic (Observer/Manager)

Familiarity between expatriates. An observer states that she has experienced and viewed how people from Venezuela interact with each other more. And believes this is because they do not have a family in Dominican Republic, so they would find comfort between each other.

I see them interacting with expatriates more. For example, the people from Venezuela are people that care about family a lot, and since they do not have family here, they tend to spend as much time with other people from Venezuela. They do activities with each other and they do not interact with Dominicans unless it is necessary. Glenda, Dominican Republic (Observer/Manager)

Company Strategies for Cultural Integration

The companies of participants in the United States focus immensely on promoting inclusion. They are well aware about the diversity of the employees and do count with a strategy regarding employee resource groups. It has to be in mind that the three selected companies in the United States were located in Portland, Oregon.

The three other companies in Dominican Republic were located in Santo Domingo.

They vary in their implementation of such strategies; where managers from one same company differ in their thoughts in support of a necessity of inclusion programs or strategies. Bellow, the strategies from the United States are discussed, following the strategies in companies from Dominican Republic. Figure 4.2. shows the main strategies from selected companies.

Figure 4.2. Strategies of the United States and Dominican Republic organizations

Location: United States

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). All participants from the three organizations in the United States discussed about a strategy called Employee Resource Groups, more commonly referred to as ERG groups. An expatriate participant explains how ERGs started in her company. The ERGs were implemented years ago but the Latin ERG is relatively new. She talks about her experience and what she thinks of this group. Also stating that no matter the background of any individual, anyone can join any group they like in order to learn from it.

ERG groups for Hispanics at this company was created a year ago by the curiosity of different employees that speak Spanish. They wanted to get together to keep practicing and it started as Spanish lunch and then from that little group was born an ERG group for Hispanics. It is really interesting and great work that they are doing. So they are giving a lot of more awareness of different cultures from Latin America to educate people to share general knowledge and celebrate Hispanic heritage in the US. They

在文檔中 National Ingroup Bias in Multicultural Organizations: A Study of Latin-American Expatriates (頁 36-60)