Date of Award

1989

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Business Administration

Department

Business

First Advisor

Michael Castro

Second Advisor

Joseph Ancona

Third Advisor

Shirley LeFlore

Abstract

There has been extensive research done on Black Theoretical Constructs versus European Constructs. It is the intent of this project to provide its readers with an insight into the problems that exist with racist and oppressive theories and their applications and methodologies (past and present); I will also explore the "Afrocentric Model" (a black frame of reference), and how that model of Black personality theories can be developed to "deal with" White corporate situations.

Racism and oppression are two critical problems of our time for which some have theories, but no one has an answer. Every man, in a sense, believes that he is his own social scientist, for social science is the stuffing of everyday living. Specifically, those readers who are most likely to benefit from this project are the ones who are concerned with the problems and how one should adjust to the constructs as an individual. It is important in considering racism and oppression that each learned behavior. A learning experience that contributes to racism and oppression may be one in which individuals function as rational, aware human beings.

In such instances , there is a conscious effort on the part of the individual to use the learned information in forming a conclusion. Not all learning experiences, however, are at the conscious level.. Many times, an individual is not even aware he is learning this behavior.

The following pages explore a host of issues connected with customs, preconceived judgments, and a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities, and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary) .

The discussion enables Blacks to learn more about themselves; thus, providing a stable and secure sense of identity where frequently, due to the effects of racial stereotyping, one does not exist. That identity can serve as a basis or stimuli to be productive in a corporate atmosphere. A transformation of this sort can provide a Black person the development of two levels of socialization: primary and secondary. The primary process occurs with self. The secondary occurs outside, i .e. , the workplace. Thus, the intent of this research is to provide an insight to racial myths and how they can provide a new psychological identity and business prospective. Further, this discussion is intended to be valuable to non-Black readers by helping enhance their understanding of Black psychology, and the follies of stereotyping . For Black readers, it can serve to them, as it has for me, an aid to understanding myself as an Afro- American; the involvement in the society that has perpetuated an attitude that related to my supposed identity, and the dynamics of how others see me and how I see myself as an Afro-American with a career in corporate management . I believe that the knowledge explored in this project, particularly the discussions of racisms' impact on Black psychology and its antidote, the development of an Afrocentric Psychological perspective, contributes to my being a more savvy, understanding, stable and productive worker.

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