Improving Race Relations In Workplaces

By Thomas Davis


Racial conflicts are highly emotive the world over. The public and private sector has to deal with flare-ups from time to time. This could affect your work relationships and productivity. It is the management of race relations that determines who well different communities coexist. Through proper management, interactions can be productive and the environment more conducive for all races. Here are excellent management tips to consider.

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 when dealing with racial conflicts. Workers and associates at all levels must be reprimanded for being biased. Firm action includes indiscriminate punishment and setting standards that are communicated to everyone. No one will claim that he or she was not aware of these standards. Firm action should also be taken promptly so that it is not assumed that the issue was ignored.

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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