Discrimination against Officer Anthony Clark.
INTRODUCTION.
It is said that employer’s environment differs depending on the responsibility of the job we perform; Whether employ by the private sector or Government, but most organizations and managers have sought to create a healthy and productive work force that meets their company expectation. However, an entity cannot function without the staff that turn the wheels of production, and often times organization structure tends to focus on the goals of the company and not the human elements that is involve. Neither are they aware that the negative influences had settle in the workforce causing rift among employees. When performing a common task as a group it is encouraging to know your partner has your back, and you’re on the same team, with the same clear cut goals.
Let us look at Officer Anthony Clark allegations of Wisconsin Police Department was it a matter of miscommunication or is it a few jokes after work that was not taken by Officer Anthony Clark as being humorous. And being overwhelm by the number of white police officers have prompt him into a negative behavior.
He can also be correct but none of his allegation cannot be proven. Base on the concepts of the book (Rainey, Hal G. Understanding and Managing Public Organizations 5th edition 2014) we will look at these allegations and provide a solution for the problem which has escalated, because it was being ignore.
Inclusive companies have tailored their mission statement sending a message to the organization employees, one of these companies is Chevron Corporation which state we express our belief in the value of diversity through principles, practices and accountability. This begins with the Chevron way, which state we learn from and respect the culture in which we work. We value and demonstrate respect for the uniqueness of individuals and the varied perspective and talents they provide. We have an inclusive work environment and actively embrace a diversity of people, ideas, talent an experience.
Our principle endorses a spirit of inclusion and foster an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We are committed to be recognize as a global leader that backs its words with accountable actions and quantifiable results (Work place diversity network 2000).
Organizational Structure.
Organizations chain of command differ depending upon the type of institution, the management style can be different, and is recognize by the method of communication practices, some company’s management team have an open door system, while others are regimental with a high level of discipline, but whatever method that is use by an organization the human element of a job has to be observed ;This means that the social, psychological and culture of each individual working together in a milieu brings a focus on traditions, concepts and languages. Therefore Policies and infrastructure guide lines is put in place to ensure a flow of positive healthy results.
Environment
The work force demographics is an important part of organizational structuring, people with similar likes, disagreements and culture tend to hang with each other, Therefore, one cannot ignore the ratio of African American employee, to Hispanic or Anglo Saxton in an organization, because this essential component of a work force is link to the social atmosphere of the jobs they perform, most of our time each day is spent working, interacting and sharing ideas with colleagues, And some of the responsibilities of the jobs are essential public services, therefore the mind set must be clear and precise about one’s duty.
Organizations behavior and theory
The organization theory is based on sociology it focuses on topics that concern the organization as a whole, such as organizational environments, goals, and effectiveness, strategy and decision making. Changes and innovations, structures and design. (Daft ,2013; Schermerhorn, 2011).
Officer Anthony Clark Discrimination Allegation Case Study.
It is said that, not everything which is in black and white is as how it appears, similarly not every situation or individual of a race has the same moral values, therefore one cannot stereotype circumstances, are a group of people from a tradition, culture and back ground. Officer Clark was not comfortable with is job, and as stated, he was not motivated, and felt unappreciated for being a black police officer in the Wisconsin police department, He tried to communicate his impressions and feelings to the human resource authority of his department, but he was not pleased with the response he received. He became discourage, and demotivated which started to affects his job, and response alertness to protect those he swore to.
The psychology of organization management
Jobs with great responsibilities also have a high stress level, one’s mental ability is some time push to its limit and the stability of one mind is fluid by encouragements, and other motivational practices. Such as family days, parties and promotions. And other system put in place to deal with traumatic situation occurring on the job. Therefore, racism on the job is a minor milestone, but it is important to the team especially in a serious situation, to know that all hands is on deck, and there is no flaws or hesitation to prevent one from functioning as expected.
Guide lines and orientations
All jobs functions are given training by employers, to brief employee on policies, and practices. Companies are interviewing candidates for job opening from various race. Education is available for every child whether they are from a low income community or a wealthy one. Universities have opened their doors to candidates globally. Once ago education was available to the privilege, and some had to learn reading at a Sunday’s church school held by a dedicated baptize minister. The government is now encouraging the enhancement of great minds, and scientific studies are being done to suppress new strain of diseases. The world is changing and the criminal mind has grown smarter, the battle against crime is being fought on a different front with the increase of technology; Thus younger, and more intelligent minds are being encourage to serve and protect their country. Because of these dynamics the time has come for new strategy and the implementation of policies so that we all get along in whatever jobs we are employed. Inclusion and diversity on a job site must be observe with the introduction of new ideas, and brilliants minds from whatever race, likes or dislikes, gender or sexual preferences, prospective employees are associated with, (Hal G, Rainey, Understanding and managing public organization ,5th edition ,2014). New cultures are going to filtrate into various groups because the economy in which one lives is dynamic constantly changing and traditions need to be flexible, to take on new challenges.
If there is racism present at the Wisconsin police department as allege by office Anthony Clark, the attitude is to prevent it from existing for the benefit of the team, in a changing world.
Organization policies
Organizational policies guide employees about how they should perform their job professionally, and also the type of behavior that is expected while at work, or in the profession, however with diverse culture and races it is difficult to bring a group of people together that does not embrace the same values or speak the same languages, policies have to be put in place for the smooth adhesiveness of various people with different attitude and motivation. People are complex and one of the attribute of humanity is of the heart, which is one emotion, it is unpredictable and will react with a corresponding action, therefore employer need to be aware that there can be a negative psychological action, base on a colleague response. And policies need to be adhere to while employers tenaciously follow through on these promises. (krupk a 2006) and (strokes et al ,2005) define and elaborates and these points.
Equal employment opportunity
The employment of top executive from different ethnicity can be inspiring to other employees as whole, and encouraging. This action speaks to equal employment, career promotion and personal growth, it rewards and encourage a job satisfaction, contrary if one feels overwhelm by others, this will allow one to feel insecurity about his job and ultimately wonder off to another career. A high performance work force is some time costly to be trained and can be difficult to be attained, if there is a high turnover of qualify staff then organization is at a lost financially, being force to constantly recruiting new staff. Therefore, in the mix of a work force there must be stability and growth for employees. And also a balance of the number of employee from different cultures that must be maintain in a work environment. (Hewlett, luce and West,2005) and A Harvard business review article, entitle leadership in your midst: Tapping the hidden strength of minority executives (2005) focus on benefits of inclusive employment.
Underlining Officer Anthony Clark Case
Now that we have defined what a healthy multi -Culture environment should be, let us ask these questions: Was officer Anthony Clark given an equal opportunity for personal and career growth? Did he adhere to his organizational policies? Is the Wisconsin police department work force diversified and inclusive of race or culture? How were the effects of the events on his job affect him mentally? Does he still desire to be a law enforcement officer and to serve the public? (The ethnic challenges in public Service ,3rd Edition by Carol Lewis) declare the difficulties of employment in public services, especially for African American. The very fact that the questions have surfaced seems to indicate that there is systemic racism and discrimination in this society at large which naturally transfers to the workforce of the men in blue. It does not matter if he wears the uniform or not the police force of this town has racism embedded in its veins. His presence is just to satisfy the laws as far as the letter is concerned but the very essence of the force is racist. The actions of this body is threatening. Because of this underlying threat and fear of a backlash, minorities could be muzzled and indeed choose to be silent. It is easier to endure the humiliation of racism than of joblessness and poverty which are also the associated intention of racism anywhere. The very fact that there was a wide gap between minority officers and white officers on the force means that not much effort or planning was put into hiring or recruiting officers of color. Those on the force were there for a show and that only. The term diversity indicates that there is an intentional effort to gain and keep people of different color. There would be unity in work relations even at first and as things develop people would grow together as they understand and appreciate their differences. Yet a whopping three minority officers and growing complaints and fear from them suggests tension and difficulties which are not and cannot be concurrent with efforts to diversify a system. Working in such a system cannot be healthy for minorities and it seems that it is just a matter of time before the force is segregated again. How can an individual trust a partner who is white and racist? His very actions on the job will be placed under a microscope and simple errors considered grounds for dismissal. In such a dangerous line of work, for racism to exist in such a blatant manner means that there is no loyalty to team. As a minority officer makes a mistake, he is gone. After all, the general attitude is that he was not good for the job in the first place but is there to satisfy the law. A few colored faces are necessary to show other that all are welcomed and the powers that be tried to hire people of color.
The Conclusion
Racism has been a part of the American communities and history as record civil rights leader picketing for better working conditions, along with other concerns for people of color, but tradition has recognize its faults and failure to keep the peace, then changes had begun removing the errors of the past, now in these contemporary time one does not dwell on the distasteful events of racial discrimination, being that we are much smarter, and the children of the future will be greater , petty and trivial matters of racism should be thrown out of the organizational work force , by training ,policies and motivation .
The roll of a patrol officer is an honorable and respected position, and if a young man or woman is able to stand tall, coming from the projects or a low income community he would have done well for his self. And made his parent proud, but if you are in the midst of your career, and then discourage or intimidated by being reprimanded for something you have not done is difficult to take unless you love your job.
After investigation is allegation was not proven, one can only assume that the relationship between officer Clark and his colleague broke down because of some other reason, which was not identify by the investigating officers, neither is racism clearly the motive.
Officer Clark was told that there is a gun in a rest room, his response was that the gun could be own by the proprietor and he needs backup to investigate the report, the writer assume it is department regulation or policy although it was treat to public safety, was rewarded for his decision or reprimanded, after other events was he in the right state of mind when made the decision not to investigate alone? Was officer Clark performance below his department expectation? and that is why he was rejected for career advancement.
When comparing public organization with a private, there is a difference in the way they handle internal affairs, the public company normally has a paper trail to document step in a pattern or behavior before executing a decision, while the private organization is more close and discreet for the image of the organization and investments, these are a few of the reason why employer select trust worthy individuals to employ ,especially in a small company ,but diversity does prevent these practices ,rather it widen the scope of an organization development and expansion in the communities they market their goods and services .it breaks down language barriers and other social , ethnic reservations . This organization model is being practice by companies as a new direction to management such organizations are Alcatel -lucent which mission statement is we achieved our shared purpose by embracing the full richness of people’s differences. We believe the diversity of our people enriches our experience and is the source of our innovation and our competitive advantage. WE adhere to Alcatel -lucent core values and treat everyone with dignity and deepest respect
References
1 (Rainey Hal, G understanding and managing public organization, 5th edition 2014)
2 (workplace diversity network 2000)
3 (Daft 2013, Schermerhorn 2011)
4 (Krupk A ,2006)
5 (Stroke et al ,2005)
6(Hewlett, Luce and West 2005)
7(Leadership in your midst: tapping the hidden strength of minority executives ,2005)
8(Sparks 2006)
9(Barak 2000)
10(The ethnic challenges in public services ,3rd edition by Carol Lewis, 2014)
