Patterns of Individual and Organizational Adaptation: The Impact of Blacks in Predominantly White Organizations,
Abstract
The objective of the study was to explore and describe the impact of the induction of an increasing number of black minority members within the boundaries of two types of traditionally and predominantly white formal organizations: institutions of higher education and the United States Navy. An exploratory, field research design was used, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods of data gathering from a variety of sources. The study was conducted during a post-social revolutionary period. Organizational Responses: The organizations were responsive to the forces operating in the society; however, their responsiveness was dictated by the strength of force inherent in their historical values and commitments in the face of new or emerging values. Tensions were generated by adherence to old values while simultaneously evincing compliance with new ones. While the number of black recruits to the organizations was increasing, the number was insignificant to effect any structural changes. Group Responses: The adaptive patterns of blacks as an ethinic group were influenced by three controlling variables: group size, perceived oppressiveness of the organization and prevailing conditions in the society. During the 1960's the number of blacks in the organizations was very small; however, they formed a cohesive group. Individual Responses: It is at the individual level that the range and variation of adaptive patterns among blacks can be seen most clearly.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA119924
Entities
People
- Abenaa Ghartey-tagoe
- Paul L. Wall