Theories of Difference Making a difference with
Simultaneity EVANGELINA HOLVINO, Ed.D. © 2005 CHAOS MANAGEMENT, LTD.
What’s In A Name? Complicating Identity From Uncle Tom’s Cabin
My name is Other spelling variations, but my family is the only “Holvino” on the Island
Evangelina Holvino
From the Spanish Moors?!
NOT Evangeline Evangelist Eva Angelina Ivonne Evangelino
(That would make me male) No, you do not hear the H in Spanish!
What’s In A Place? Complicating Identity I am from Puerto Rico No.
I’m also from Vermont
Why not Puerto Rican?
In the USA
Lived there For the past 22 years
Not from New York
Complicated political relation
Really! But…
where are you from?
(But, a P.R. in Vermont?)
My accent you mean?
Not poor Not uneducated Not the stereotype
“Between” Latin America & U.S.A.
Dominant Models of Identity TREAT DIFFERENCES AS
• • • •
Essential
Innate Fixed Independent and additive variables
The “equality vs. differences” dilemma
Example: Dominant Models SOCIAL IDENTITY GROUPS Religion
Ethnicity
Physical Ability
Race
Gender
Sexual Orientation
Age
Class
1992: Bailey Jackson, Ed.D.; New Perspectives, Inc.; Amherst, MA.
Mental Ability
Example: Dominant Models IDENTITY WHEEL
Heritage Firm
Regional Location Language/ Accent
Work Style
Age
Social Class
Gender
Race
Ethnic Heritage
Economic Status
Learning Style
Education Mental/Physical Abilities & Leadership Characteristics Style Family Status
Religion Sexual Orientation
Work Experience
Communication Style Organizational Role and Level
1996. Marilyn Loden , Implementing Diversity. Irwin Professional Publishing.
A Matter of Context “Bature! Bature” After years of identifying myself as “of color” in the United States, to the Nigerian children I was white.
An Alternative: Postcolonial Feminist Models TREAT DIFFERENCES AS
• • • • •
Relational Socially constructed Subjective identity
Power relations Interdependent
Historically specific and changeable relations
Example:
Postcolonial Feminist Model INTERSECTIONALITY
G
R
E
C
1992: Bell & Nkomo.
The Invitation: A Proposal • View identity as multiple, contradictory, situational, relational
• Re-conceptualize race, ethnicity, gender, class, nationality, sexuality … … as simultaneous processes of identity, institutional, and social practice
The Complexity of Simultaneity THE PROBLEM IS …
Theoretical
•
How to conceptualize identity as simultaneity of: Race Class
Gender Nationality
Ethnicity Sexuality
Practical
•
How to apply simultaneity in organizational change?
Simultaneity Nationality Sexuality Class Gender Ethnicity Race
Practical Interventions • Surfacing the hidden stories at the intersection
• Identifying and changing differential impact of organizational practices
• Linking organizational processes to social (societal) processes
A Case Study: Goals of WOCG • Drive change for WOC at X to reach their potential - advancement, retention, development
• Support WOC’s professional development • Promote awareness of WOC’s unique challenges
• Recognize company as “best” for WOC
A Case Study:
Activities & Accomplishments • Coaching, feedback, support, advice • Exercising leadership • Meetings with senior management • Bringing visibility to WOC and their issues • Tracking successes, assessing environment, responding strategically
A Case Study: The Challenges • Leading and organizing WOCG • Keeping momentum and delivering • Securing committed sponsors • Involving/impacting LOBs and mid-level managers
• Communicating accomplishments • Surviving organizational changes
A Case Study: Simultaneity Issues? • What is the “value-added” of WOCG? • WOCG potentially divisive? • Have they accomplished enough? • Is dual agenda of driving change and developing WOC appropriate?
A Case Study: Recommendations • Re-affirm mission and prioritize goals:
• Key events for members • More involvement by senior sponsors • Develop and track indicators of change
• “Push” execution of action plans and leadership to regions
• Communicate achievements
Lessons Learned: Practice of Simultaneity • • • • • •
Share quantitative and qualitative data Establish strong links to senior management
Celebrate successes; publicize accomplishments Select top performers to lead
Work differences among WOC Create flexible, effective internal structures
Lessons Learned: Theory of Simultaneity • Different experience and standpoints • Different structural situation • Challenge the discourse of diversity • Embody complexity and simultaneity within and without
Challenges of Simultaneity:
Concluding Questions • How to influence the field with more complex models?
• How to communicate with organizational members?
• What would it mean for other groups/you to embrace simultaneity?
Thank you DR. EVANGELINA HOLVINO CHAOS MANAGEMENT, LTD. 178 Meetinghouse Lane BRATTLEBORO, VT 05301 802.257.5218
[email protected]
www.chaosmanagement.com
Dr. Holvino is also Affiliate Faculty Center for Gender in Organizations, Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts
www.simmons.edu/som/cgo