Ch. 7 Identity and Difference in Organizational Life – Blog 2
On p. 220, intersecting identities in organizations is addressed. Strategies for enabling people to become better communicators in dealing with multiple identities are listed on p. 223. The first suggestion is to be mindful of your own privileges. I think in some ways that is what the FGC students engage in, as mentioned on the previous page. Most FGC students are cautious in how they communicate with others back home so as not to invoke jealousy in their family members and friends. I think this is probably a good thing; they are being mindful of their situation and thus are more aware of how they present themselves to others. They work to make sure they don’t communicate in a demeaning or belittling way to their peers and family members who did not pursue a degree from a college or university.
The second suggestion addresses being proactive to communicate multiple identities. “As a ‘child-free’ manager, you might look for more ways to be responsive to your employees who are parents of young children.” I remember reading a magazine article about an all-female business. The business owner did not have any children, but many of her female employees did. The business owner stated that rather than lose good employees, she wanted to make changes within her organization to accommodate her employees. She decided to provide a day care facility in the company’s building. This is one example of how a “childless” employer was mindful and proactive, which resulted in happier, more loyal employees.
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3 comments:
I am a first-generation college student in my family and I find this dual identity to be partially correct. Communicating my experience to my parents was not an issue and there were no jealousy. Perhaps, this is a parent’s love for their child or that our communication is open and frequent. However, I see this to be true with relatives, because I sense jealousy and resentment from them when speaking about my college experiences. One side I want to share my life experiences with them, but at the same time, I want to be sensitive to their feelings by not sharing my experiences with them. This was something that I did not struggle with so much, but I see the importance in being aware of other people’s feelings and being mindful to other people’s sensitivities. This is achieved through what and how you communicate to them.
JdmORG, I can identify with your discussion of First Generation College (FGC) students. Family, friends, and relatives (commented by kim mai) might be jealous or uncomfortable. I know of situtations where it is difficult to talk about college achievements, difficulties, and academic conquest or prowess with elder siblings. In some families, elder siblings sacrificed their own education opportunities (i.e. working long hours since a young age to supplement the family's income). Therefore, the parents would be the only one to hear about the college experiences, verses the elder siblings.
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