Is generalization really that bad?

Scherbatsky · February 19, 2014, 3:31pm

Re: Is generalization really that bad?

Ok , so explain to me why then , are , women considered bad drivers when in essence insurance companies accept that most accidents are caused by men? Check this interesting link Car Insurance for Women - MoneySupermarket.com

Also please explain to me , if its a person’s personal experience that guides their thoughts towards generalizing then why are they wrong? for example, a manager thinks every time they hired an xyz nationality they saw very positive traits and every time they hired abc nationality they saw negative traits and then make up their mind to hire only xyz nationality. In essence he isnt doing anything wrong then?

Same as apples cant be compared to humans logic, every muslim cant be tagged a terrorist around the world because it is a very serious claim. hence why we try and speak out against these elements. But when it comes to the generic traits of a nation or people, what is the harm in it? for example, **an ongoing trend I saw in British candidates while interviewing them, would ask for higher end salaries with not as much dedication to perform under high pressure , but if I put an Indian candidate in his place they ask for lower salaries plus work harder under pressure. **

Arent these the generic traits that make make them part of their respective nations?

Or another example: Pakistani born and raised men are very culture driven! ABCD /BBCD girls are extremely self confident etc, Irish people have only one driving force : Alcohol ! French are all about beauty and sex ! and so on and on …

That would be called being prejudiced or being a corporate opportunist – you exploit those who may exhibit greater need.

Here is diversity training 101 for you in the spirit of bettering your management skills:

Reasonable conclusion: Brits speak English more fluently than their Indian counterparts.
Irrational: This British candidate knows English better than the Indian one.
Conclusion: Cultures and nations may be categorized under sweeping generalizations but it is extremely unfair and a display of poor lack of judgment to do the same on an individual basis.

p.s. how do your candidates convince you of their dedication during the hiring process? Or do you hire based on your prejudice and end up with a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Oh, the irony.