Psychological Aspects of Racism in Organizations

In this study a multilevel conceptual framework is developed for the study of racism in organization as seen by African-Americans. Three levels are defined: institutional racism, racial climate, and personal discrimination. Perceptions of racism on each of these levels are related to racial identity, using the Racial Identity Attitudes Scale, to determine if racial identity is associated with perceptions of racism. The results, based on a sample of Blacks in a state bureaucracy, indicated that racial identity was the best predictor of perceptions of racial climate and personal discrimination. For example: Blacks who reported Pre-Encounter racial identity attitudes (i.e., those who were White-identified and Black-rejective) saw less racism in the workplace, whereas those who endorsed Internalization attitudes (i.e., those who were Black-identified but not anti-White) saw more. In addition, two factors were identified in racial climate: (a) Experience and Intensity of Racism and (b) Management Power and Policy. These themes were consistent with the literature, and they were found throughout the data. Implications for organizational consultation and change are considered, especially the implications of African-American intragroup diversity.