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Click on image to go to Author website. "THE RACE IS NOT TO THE SWIFT." Eccl. 9:11

Saturday 27 October 2018

Improving Race Relations In Workplaces

By Thomas Davis


Race comes top among the most emotive issues around the world. It has the ability to stall work in offices and kill team work. Manages and work-forces must learn the best way to deal with Race Relations and ensure that they do not damage an otherwise conducive work environment. Here are expert suggestions on ensuring that racial differences and prejudices do not affect how you operate.

Be alive to the fact that racial issues will always arise. This amounts to acknowledging that such challenges exist. You will then find a way addressing them without waiting until something comes up. It makes people conscious without hiding or burying the issues under the carpet. Build awareness that is based on the possible challenges you will encounter depending on your work environment.

Sensitize and educate workers on the manifestations of racial biases and how to deal with conflicts better. This education should start with a clear understanding of the history that has led to such conflicts. Scrutinize the materials used in education so that they do not prejudice one group over the other. A balanced view makes it easier to understand the underlying issues and provide a solution. Biases make solutions difficult to find.

The conflicts should be domesticated to make it easier to understand. Numerous theories exist regarding racial confrontations. Even the incidences shared are always far-fetched. It is always easier to understand an issue when the examples are home based. People can identify with the hurtful feeling that other people are subjected to when discriminated. The point is driven home and the best solution obtained. Such domesticating leaves a lasting impression in the lives of persons involved.

Address issues as they arise and do so in fairness. Small issues will be magnified by the assumption that they will fade aware. Even when one party is not offended, there is possibility that another would be offended by a seemingly minor act. In case conflict arises, it must be addressed fast and with fairness. This is supposed to show workers and people in the environment that all issues, how ever small they appear, are important.

Ensure that organizational composition at all levels is diverse. This will create sensitivity to racial issues. If all managers are of a singular race, the likelihood of bias increases. In fact, it will be difficult to address complains objectively. Most of the biases are hidden and will manifest in scandalous situations. If the organization has a policy on equal recruitment and employment, it will be easier to deal with the issues whenever they emerge.

Be firm in dealing with racial discrimination. In case a worker says something mean about another race, he or she should be dealt with firmly. What might not offend you could offend a fellow worker or client. Further, it is these small issues that escalate into huge conflicts when they remain unresolved. Disciplinary action must be taken on affected parties whenever an issue arises.

It is a huge mistake to assume that relationships between races will work automatically. Every organization must make deliberate effort to address issues whenever they arise. The best way to handle such issues is to be deliberate and proactive. It will be easier to prevent conflicts from occurring than to repair damage once the issue has erupted.




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