Journal of Social Equity and Public Administration

The Oblivious Organization: Understanding Racial Stereotypes in the Public Sector

Nicole Humphrey

University of Miami

Shannon Portillo

Arizona State University

Domonic A. Bearfield

George Washington University

Alesha Doan

University of Kansas

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jsepa.v1i2.4924

Keywords: Race, Organizations, Public Administration, Military

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Abstract

Organizational obliviousness is a theoretical framework that acknowledges how socially constructed stereotypes of marginalized groups become embedded individually, culturally, and institutionally within organizations. Prior work on organizational obliviousness has focused on exploring gender within organizational contexts. This work builds on previous scholarship on organizational obliviousness in the public sector and discussions of race in public organizations. It also builds on applying the organizational obliviousness framework in order to understand how racialized and intersectional forms of oppression manifest within public organizations. Specifically, we use the organizational obliviousness framework to explore how grooming and appearance policies that seem neutral on the surface can be exclusionary and grounded in racial stereotypes.

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Author Biographies

Nicole Humphrey, University of Miami

Nicole Humphrey (n.humphrey@miami.edu) is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Miami. She studies organizational behavior and human resource management in the public sector. Her work focuses on exploring emotional labor, as well as diversity and equity, grounded in public management.

Shannon Portillo, Arizona State University

Shannon Portillo (s.portillo@asu.edu) is director and professor in the School of Public Affairs at Arizona State University. Her work explores how formal policies and informal social norms shape the work of public organizations. She is specifically interested in how racism and sexism impact organizations and workers’ experiences both historically and currently.

Domonic A. Bearfield, George Washington University

Domonic A. Bearfield (dbearfield@gwu.edu) is a professor of public policy and public administration at the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at George Washington University.

Alesha Doan, University of Kansas

Alesha Doan (adoan@ku.edu) is an associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Kansas. She holds a joint appointment in the School of Public Affairs & Administration and the Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies Department. Her research examines the intersections between gender, policy, and organizations.

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