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Enjoying Your Work Richard Brislin |
Intergroup relations in
Hawaii: Better or worse
than other places?In recent columns, I have discussed potential difficulties that can occur when people from very different cultural backgrounds interact frequently. I discussed the problems associated with prejudice, such as denying benefits to people because of group memberships based on factors such as ethnicity, gender, age or social class. I also discussed ways of overcoming prejudice in organizations, such as strong executive direction, the development of shared goals, activities that move beyond group stereotypes and the formation of new group identities that emphasize positive intergroup relationships.
Several readers have asked me whether I think that intergroup relations in Hawaii are better or worse than in other states and in other countries. My opinion is that while Hawaii is not a paradise in terms of group tolerance, and while there are ways to improve, relations here are much more positive than in many other parts of the world. There are people in Hawaii who disagree, and so I will give reasons for my position.
Differing positions on important social issues often start with people's expectations. Many people expect intergroup relations to be favorable because they have heard or read about Hawaii's positive reputation as a model of tolerance. But when people observe a number of the conflicts and unpleasant interactions that bedevil individuals everywhere, they may conclude that Hawaii is no better than anyplace else.
My own starting point is different. I believe that it is difficult and challenging for people to interact when they do not share a common cultural background.
A common background provides many bases for smooth interactions: shared interests, similar meanings given to nonverbal behaviors, respect for certain authority figures who have a right to intervene in conflicts, and socially approved ways of disagreeing with others. When people from different cultural backgrounds come together, they do not share these bases for smooth conversations, interpretations of potentially problematic behaviors, and methods for smoothing over misunderstandings. People must invest extra time and effort into their interactions with culturally different individuals, and this can lead to extra burdens in lives already busy with work, family and community activities.
Newcomers who decide to live in Hawaii must be willing to take on the extra task of learning enough about cultural differences so they can have smooth interactions with others. If they decide that this is too burdensome, then they often get on an airplane and go elsewhere. As a result, there is a selection effect. People willing to pursue the goal of positive intercultural relations stay in Hawaii, and others leave.
Those who stay also learn that there are many benefits to positive relations. Businesses in Hawaii have to cater to a small population, and employees cannot alienate potential customers from any one cultural group. Life in neighborhoods is much more pleasant if people can show respect for others in their day-to-day interactions. If they live in Hawaii long enough, people often develop kin relations with other cultural groups because of their children's marriages. By this time, they know that if they have difficulties with other cultures, then they have to live with the stress of poor relations with nearby relatives.
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
The purpose of this column is to increase understanding of human behavior as it has an impact on the workplace. Given the amount of time people spend at work, job satisfaction should ideally be high and it should contribute to general life happiness. Enjoyment can increase as people learn more about workplace psychology, communication, and group influences.
Richard Brislin is a professor in the College of Business Administration, University of Hawaii. He can be reached through the College Relations Office: cro@cba.hawaii.edu