Is it possible to move up the corporate letter with ethnic hairstyles? Pros and cons
Corporate companies that have traditionally employed a certain type of ethnic group for decades will develop a corporate culture based on that ethnic group. The culture adopted from the majority ethnic group will touch on the accepted mode of dressing and the hairstyle. Thus, those who join the company are expected to adopt the hairstyle and mode of dressing that has the majority in the company. Those with natural hair that is different from others are expected to put on artificial hairstyle that fit with the rest. However, if a person chose not to change his/her hairstyle so as to blend with the rest, would be perceived as defiance. Hence, a person may lose his/her position in the company. On the other hand, those with natural hair that fit with the majority of the workers in the company and also fit the company’s code of dressing, have a high chance of advancing in their career. This is because; they will find it easier to fit in the company’s culture. Additionally, they will be accepted by the majority of the workers since they can identify with the person through a common hairstyle. Hence, it will be easy to advance in the career ladder in the company since they won’t be perceived as defiant (Gordon, 2013).
Some organizations see wearing a natural hair as unprofessional. Natural hair style such as dreadlocks are seen as unprofessional are not accepted in most companies. Therefore, those who wear natural hair especially new graduates are most likely that they will not secure employment in companies that insist on a certain type of hairstyle which is relaxed or straight (Maryline, 2013). In addition, natural hair like dreadlocks and curly hair look unkempt to some to people, and they believe that this due to laziness. Hence, they argue that if a person cannot take care of their hair, they cannot be responsible at the workplace. As result, people with natural hair that is seen as unkempt are denied the chance to lead or get a promotion simply because they are seen as irresponsible.
Natural hair sometimes is seen as a way of sending a political statement of displeasure. This is associated with the rise of civil wars in the 1960s. Thus, most organizations don’t condone natural hair in their premises since it is considered defiance or a sign of rebellion. The employees who decide to put on natural hair might be dismissed (Marcia, 2011). Additionally, men with dreadlocks are treated with suspicion since it is associated with criminal activities.
For those companies that appreciate the diversity of ethical groups, wearing natural hairstyle is welcome. Those who wear their natural hair are perceived to confidence and independent. This makes them earn respect from colleagues since not many can wear a natural hairstyle. Thus, it’s easy to move up in the corporate leader due to the respect they get from the colleagues and the management in general.
Some organizations don’t attach value on the kind of hairstyle one wears; this is reflected on the flexibility on the dress code of some of the organizations. As a result, many organizations have come up corporate casual wear where workers can wear anything as long its is decent and presentable to the public. The flexible dress code does not depicts or dictate how the workers should dress including the type of hairstyle. Thus, those who prefer natural hair are free to wear, and their chances of moving through the corporate ladder are not compromised. These organizations appreciate the fact that hair does not define their competence on the job. Thus, employees should get the freedom to wear the hair style they want (Gordon, 2013). This improves the employees’ self-esteem since they know their competence is not judged base on their looks but their output at the workplace. This improves the employees’ morale since they know their looks or hair will not stop or deter them from getting a promotion.
Can natural and professionalism coexist? Pros and cons
Natural hair makes a person to be perceived as conservative and independent (not easily influenced by the trends in the fashion world) on the positive side. On the negative side, natural hair is perceived as unprofessional and unkempt style that does not fit corporate look (Maryline, 2013). Thus, the natural hair and professionalism can coexist depending on the type of the organization where one is working.
Some people fear that natural their hair is not going to be accepted in the workplace simply because it depicts an image of unprofessionalism. Thus, those with low self-esteem cannot work while they have a natural hair since they are not confidence to appear in public with the natural hair and appear unprofessional. Workers with low self-esteem cannot work in certain professionals such marketing, sales or public relation where it's a must to interact with the public on a daily basis with enthusiasm and confidence. Additionally companies with strict dress code that emphasizes on having a straight hair or fashionable hair cannot hire people with natural hair. This negative stigma associated with natural hair is what makes it hard the coexistence of professionalism and natural hair (Morales, 2012). On the other hand, the natural hair and professionalism can co-exist in companies with flexible dress code which accommodate a variety of hairstyle. These companies concentrate on the productivity of workers rather than how they look in public. Thus, natural hair and professionalism can exist if people concentrate on the competence of an individual rather than the kind of hairstyle one has on his/her head.
Some companies argue that it’s their right to impose a certain dress code to employees. The dress code includes the kind of hairstyle that employees must wear while in the company’s premises. This is geared towards maintaining a professional looks to its clients and maintaining equality at the workplace. Thus, in this kind of organizations natural hair and professionalism cannot coexist (Gordon, 2013).
There has been a vast development and advancement on the styling of natural hair. This calls for innovation and knowledge on how to turn the natural hair into a corporate look without using artificial hair or chemicals. Due to the advancement of technology and creativity, people can smooth or style their natural hair to fit the corporate image. Thus, people who want to work with their natural hair should look for a professional stylist who can show them a variety of styles of natural hair that fits the corporate look. In addition, individual must be ready to deal with negative or positive reaction from colleagues and client concerning the natural hair (Morales, 2012).
Conclusively, natural hair and corporate America can exist if people change their mindset and perception on the natural hair. If people break from the norm on how a ‘corporate look’ should be. Then natural hair will get acceptance into the corporate world. Furthermore, going natural, call for innovative styles that will make the natural hair looks neat, fashionable and professional.
References
Morales, C. (2012). Rareview: Going natural in corporate America – In America - CNN.com Blogs. Retrieved from http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/09/rareview-going-natural-in-corporate-america/
Gordon, S. (2013). Is Your 'Natural' Hairstyle Preventing You from Getting a Job? - Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/shenegotiates/2013/03/11/is-your-natural-hairstyle-preventing-you-from-getting-a-job-2/
Marcia, T. W. (2011). Natural Hair and Professionalism. An oxymoron? - Page 2 of 2 - Black Enterprise. Retrieved from http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/natural-hair-and-professionalism/2/
Maryline D. (2013). Natural Hair vs. Corporate America:Why Are We Still Fighting This Battle? - Style - EBONY. Retrieved from http://www.ebony.com/style/fighting-for-our-hair-in-corporate-america-032#axzz3Jvg7AdII
