18
|Ask anything (even anonymously)…
© 2021 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
Preference to ethnic groups?
I am an Indian origin professional, now a US citizen and residing in IL. An HR personnel, who was also an Indian, once told me that HR departments are instructed by companies to give preference to White Americans when hiring for jobs, though it is never highlighted on the outside, irrespective of their qualifications. I personally think this is true to a great extent. I see Indians bombarding the IT departments but when it comes to managerial positions, it is mostly taken over by the whites. I have seen it myself in many cases...managers who are less qualified than their subordinate ethnic groups. I want to know, if my belief is correct or wrong, if so, to what extent. I'd especially love to hear from any HR folks who've had similar experiences?
7 Comments
LaToria BoldenMom Boss. Wife. Influencer. Let's Be Friends
84
01/03/21 at 5:25PM UTC
in
You are entitled to your opinion and you are right most managerial positions are Caucasian. I have had multiple jobs where the managers were unqualified but if that is what the company wants then it’s out of our hand. We have to be able to control what we control. You seem very bright and I’m sure you understand working for another company will never get you to where you want or need to be. Have you thought of owning something of your own? Let’s connect.
Rupa ThomasChange driven, empathetic leader
18
01/03/21 at 5:36PM UTC
in
Thanks Latoria, for your quick response. I agree with you, but yes, its our opinions, and we do not have a choice but to abide by company rules.
I do have plans to start something on my own but not in the near future though. Will keep in touch. Cheers!!
Jodie JohnsonIntegrity Matters!
208
01/03/21 at 6:31PM UTC
in
Hi Rupa, I think it's a cultural (misperceived) barrier that's going on. It could be somewhat based on stereotyping, but also based upon personal experiences held by a handful in upper management and it has filtered its way down into HR. The educational system is quite a bit different in India. My business partner hails from Bihar originally and moved to WB - Kolkata to pursue his higher education. TBH, unless Americans get to deeply know and comprehend the cultural differences, they will continue to glam onto the stereotyping beliefs they have. My business partner now has his PhD (RKM University-Belur ) and is highly competent and qualified as a dynamic leader and business owner. From what I've seen, there's a general lack of awareness and knowledge about Indian culture here in America. I don't think you're imagining any of this because in general, Americans are tending to have tunnel vision, coupled with a lack of time for really getting to know about other cultures and customs. I find it sad, but seems to be how I have experienced the corporate world as well as witnessing a vast misunderstanding of how cultural norms play out in everyday life. Best of luck to you! :)
Anonymous
01/03/21 at 8:02PM UTC
in
Hi Rupa,
Your observation and friend are correct. Not just IT, but in other disciplines throughout America an ugly bigoted caste system exists when reviewing, hiring employees. Credentials, experience are secondary to that 'tripe' all organizations must post at the end of every job. Entities are rarely held or successfully challenged to adhere or actually bound by such standards.
Anonymous
01/04/21 at 5:57AM UTC
in
I'm a bit surprised at the comments. Having been in federal service management and non profit sector leadership the opposite was the case. We always strove to hire the best qualified applicants with an eye to increasing diversity because diversity increased ways of resolving problems. Perhaps these sectors would be place to begin your search.
LisaNurse, Technology Writer, Healthcare Executive
306
01/04/21 at 12:45PM UTC
in
Hi, Rupa - I am sorry you are experiencing this. I wonder if some of the bias you are seeing is related to accent (speaking generally, I have no idea if you have an accent or not). I have worked with people of Indian descent at all levels in an organization, including the c-suite. But it did seem as though the people who spoke with American or British accents had an easier time moving into different positions. My friends for whom English is a second language have brought up accent bias as an issue in their careers as well. I agree with LaToria that if you are not getting the opportunities you want, starting something of your own is a good way to open doors for yourself. Good luck!
Stephanie FSenior HR Professional in Recruitment
129
01/17/21 at 9:55PM UTC
in
Hi Rupa,
That’s sad that HR personnel are being instructed this way...
Unfortunately we know that some people have intentional and/or unconscious bias which is a problem.
Let’s hope the searches that some companies are doing for DEI candidates reaps positive results to start changing this.
Looking for a new job?
Our employer partners are actively recruiting women! Update your profile today.
The Fairygodboss Feed
We're a community of women sharing advice and asking questions
Employer Reviews
Eastman Chemical Company
Do not work here if you want to have a career as a...
Prime-Resume.com
It's indeed a good place. I can regulate my schedule as I...
Huge Inc
Huge offers flexibility to working mothers and has a focus...
R/GA
R/GA does not provide any flexibility to new mothers. Very...
Tachyum
Very flexible and supportive for women engineers. They...