Running head: POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN THE WORK PLACE 1

Transcription

1 Running head: POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN THE WORK PLACE 1 Political Correctness In The Work Place: Have We Gone Too Far? Vernon Tilly Jr. University of Central Oklahoma

2 POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN THE WORK PLACE 2 Political Correctness in the Work Place: Have We Gone Too Far? Everyone at some point or another has found themselves facing Political Correctness, also known as PC, in the work place. The work place is simply a place of employment or where one may volunteer. If someone works in the Federal or Civil government, PC is in strict compliance as to not offend anyone for any reason, which for some has lead to extremes. To illustrate, an English newspaper article Has Political Correctness Gone Too Far? (2006) stated, The mere mention of political correctness is enough to get Leicester taxi driver Bill Farmer s meter running. It s definitely gone too far, says Bill, 62. It s killing the English sense of humour. The English like to take the rise. My West Indian Friends like to take the rise, but we er not allowed to be humorous about one another any more. We don t take any notice of that. I m right. I know I m right. People are sick of interfering busybodies telling us what to do. (p. 10). This article goes on to say, The idea a noble one was to get rid of racism and sexism (p. 10). In simple terms PC effects us all especially in the work place, so the question is have we gone too far? Political Correctness: What is it? According to Hughes (2010), This fundamental question has become increasingly difficult to answer as new agendas have materialized. Most people would frame answers along the lines of It means not using words like nigger, queer, or cripple, or It means showing respect to all, or It means accepting or promoting diversity. The emphases on offensive language, predicted attitudes, and insulting behavior towards the marginalized are central. (p. 8). The bottom line is PC is every changing as differing agendas driven by influential parties and society as a whole redefined PC as time goes by. Politically Correct Defined

3 POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN THE WORK PLACE 3 In accordance with Webster s New World college dictionary (1999) politically correct is defined as Conforming or adhering to what is regarded as orthodox liberal opinion on matters of sexuality, race, etc.: usually used disparagingly to connote dogmatism, excessive sensitivity to minority causes, etc. political correctness (p. 1114). Political correctness The phrase politically correct is buried deep in our past, according to Hughes (2010), a remote early instance by Justice James Wilson in a Supreme Court case in 1793, it was used in a literal rather than an ideological sense: The United States, instead of The people of the United States, is the toast given. This is not politically correct. Clearly the intended meaning in this context was politically accurate (pp ). Ever since then the phrase has become a part of our vocabulary, for better or worse. This instance portrays a simpler time in which we were simply trying to do right by our fellow human being. Today the more modern take on this phrase is best revealed in Hughes conclusion (2010), As political correctness has become more fashionable, so it has become less clearly defined, as is typical with such phrases when their currency broadens. It now covers a whole range of individual, social, cultural, and political issues, and topics as diverse as fatness, appearance, stupidity, diet, crime, prostitution, race, homosexuality, disability, animal rights, the environment, and still others. It has taken on the characteristics of a buzzword, becoming a fashionable phase without a clear meaning, but one which nevertheless invokes certain clear responses, hostile or positive, depending on context. Indeed diversity, one of the new key terms in the vocabulary, is stretched to accommodate this range of social problems and agendas (p. 284). So why would we want to be politically correct in the work place, when just remembering to apply the golden rule should suffice?

4 POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN THE WORK PLACE 4 Why the Perceived Need to be Political Correct As more women and minorities entered into the workforce, the white male majority has been confronted with a new environment in which they worked and supervised a new and changing demographic. They could no longer tell an off-colored joke in the business meeting or make sexiest remarks. The practice of PC was initiated to prevent any hostility, or offensive behavior, which could cause a reprimand or termination of employment. Work place interactions of persons Research by Ely, Meyerson, and Davidson (2006), states the Legal and cultural changes over the past 40 years ushered unprecedented numbers of women and people of color into companies. Overt prejudice and discrimination in the workplace, historically sanctioned by society, are far less acceptable today. Laws now protect traditionally underrepresented groups from blatant discrimination in hiring and promotion, and political correctness has reset the standards of civility and respect in people s day-to-day interactions. This concept with legal backing gives equal opportunity and support to all employees regardless of their race or gender in the daily interactions with others in the workplace. Human relations issues According to Ryan (2009), At times, HR jargon can sound like political correctness gone overboard, professionals in the personnel fields said. But it s meant to address problems in the work place in a positive point of view so companies and employees can find solutions or part ways on good terms. (pp ). For example, Kimberly Nash states (as cited in Ryan, 2009, pp ) there s some terms used in describing an advertising job, she said. High energy might mean the job requires long hours. If a job is looking for someone who s self motivated, it could mean there s little to no supervision You try to make the job sound interesting, Nash

5 POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN THE WORK PLACE 5 said. (pp ). In the same article we find HR personnel use various terms for firing an individual that are more sensitive to the situation or purpose. According to Nash, We re dealing with people, their families, their feelings, that are the aftermath of decisions (pp ). One such term Right-sizing may mean mass lay-offs. Another, Voluntarily self-select out simply means quitting. The usage of these terms allows the companies and employees to continue on with the company restructuring and allows the employee to find other work without any perceived negative connotations on either party. Impact on the Work Place According to Peal (2008), Oppressive environments often arise from the best intentions. Company leaders and senior managers believe they know what is best for the business because they have the most seniority and experience. (p. 17). It is also noted by Stephen Xavier s (as cited in Peal, 2008, pp ) statement A politically correct environment where people have a deathly fear of offending, squashes creativity and innovation. It also suppresses the organization s ability to be a learning and growing environment (p. 17). Work place interactions of persons Based on research by Ely, Meyerson, and Davidson (2006), political correctness does not only pose problems for those in the majority. When majority members cannot speak candidly, members of underrepresented groups also suffer: Minorities can t discuss their concerns about fairness and fears about feeding into negative stereotypes, and that adds to an atmosphere in which people tiptoe around the issues and one another. These dynamics breed misunderstanding, conflict, and mistrust, corroding both managerial and team effectiveness. (pp ). Working environment

6 POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN THE WORK PLACE 6 The research by Ely, Meyerson, and Davidson (2006), suggests that high-quality relationships cannot be mandated. Sensitivity training and zero-tolerance policies at best impart some useful cultural knowledge or indicate that a company is serious about eliminating bias. At worse, such practices undermine relationships by reinforcing a restrivtive and fearful atmosphere. Those to whom corrective actions are directed men and whites, for example walk on eggshells for fear of unwittingly transgressing the rules of political correctness. (pp ). It has been reveled in the research conducted by Ely, Meyerson, and Davidson (2006), There are barriers troubling to the team. The team states, by the barriers that political correctness can pose to developing constructive, engaging relationships at work. In cultures regulated by political correctness, people feel judged and fear being blamed. They worry about how others view them as representatives of their social identity groups. They feel inhibited and afraid to address even the most banal issues directly. People draw private conclusions; untested, their conclusions become immutable. Resentments build, relationships fray, and performance suffers. (pp ) Conclusion While political correctness in some situations has been mandated by law still others are results of society and special agendas. Political correctness is also about a cross section of the diverse world of individuals in the work place trying to work together for the common good of the employer and employees themselves. Centuries ago and within the last few decades it had a noble purpose, today it lacks a champion. The question remains for us all to decide if we have taken political correctness in the work place too far.

7 POLITICAL CORRECTNESS IN THE WORK PLACE 7 References Ely, R. J., Meyerson, D. E., & Davidson, M. N. (2006). Rethinking Political Correctness. Harvard Business Review, 84(9), (2006, January 16). Has political correctness gone too far?. Leicester Mercury. p. 10. Hughes, G. (2010). Political Correctness: A history of semantics and culture. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell. Peal, J. (2008). IS A POLITICALLY CORRECT WORK ENVIRONMENT DESTROYING INNOVATION?. Manufacturing Today, 8(1), Ryan, J.T. (2009). Jargon purposeful, not hollow, human-resources professionals say. Central Penn Business Journal, 25(46), Webster s New World college dictionary (4 th ed.). (1999). New York: Macmillan.