From Majority to Minority and Back Again

Do you know what it feels like to walk into a room where, because of your sex, race/ethnicity, religion, language, or some other dimension, you are intensely aware of being different from everyone else?

Some of you do. Most of you probably don't. And, since most managers are white and male, it's a good bet that they don't know either.

The experience can be unsettling, especially the first time it happens. Some companies have begun broadening perspectives and understanding by having their managers join groups or attend events where they are different from everyone else.

For more than 30 years, UPS has required its top managers to participate in community service programs in inner cities or poor rural areas. James Casey, UPS's founder, started the program in 1968 to expose his white male managers to diverse experiences, people, and communities. Casey also hoped that the experience would increase empathy, break down stereotypes, and encourage volunteer and community service.

Today, managers with 10 to 30 years of experience are assigned to community service tasks in inner cities or rural areas. Don Wofford, who directs the program, says, "We choose managers on the fast track, people who'll be positioned to influence their work force and the community for years to come." The managers spend two weeks doing community service, followed by a weekend at home and then two more weeks of community service.

Wofford says, "This format gives them a chance to digest the experience-they tend to come back renewed after the break, with a new focus, sometimes even more bewildered, but still ready to go for it." Your assignment is to attend an event, meeting, or activity where you are different from almost everyone else in terms of your sex, race/ethnicity, religion, language, or some other dimension.

You can choose a church service, local community group, volunteer organization, or student group on campus. Ask your professor for ideas. You should probably contact the group beforehand to arrange your visit.

Answer the following questions after your visit.

1)Introduce the case