Experiences of stereotyping among individuals employed in selected South African organisations

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of stereotypes among individuals working in selected South African organisations. The participants were 336 employees within the following sectors: banking (n = 40), higher education institutions (n = 72), mining (n = 63), municipalities (n = 24), nursing (n = 4), police services (n = 20), schools (n = 85), and the restaurant industry (n = 28). Data were collected using open ended interviews, and thematically analysed. The findings indicated that stereotypes influence individuals on three different levels: cognitive, behavioural, and emotional levels. Predominantly, participants reported that they mostly react in a cognitive manner when confronted with stereotypes.