Jun 05 2008
South Asian Cliques at Work: “Not Good” Says Anil…
We all know how Desis roll - we roll in packs, everywhere we go. In the clubs, at the restaurants, and even at work. But is this making South Asians stand out in the wrong way? Well, one of our readers thinks so:
Dear SABAsearch Bloggers,
I am a South Asian born American here in the Austin area. I have recently moved in to the Austin area to work for a local tech firm. The transition from the Northeast to Austin has been difficult, however, I have luckily been introduced to a group of South Asians who are working here in my compnay.
Recently, I was asked to join these guys down in the lunchroom here in our building. I obliged. When I got down to the cafeteria, I noticed our group huddled in the corner of the cafeteria, but also noticed that the group had gotten a lot larger. In addition to the 6 of my new friends were around 20 other South Asian employees all sitting at one table. There were no others joining us. During the next month or so at the company, I noticed that everywhere I went within the company, I would always notice the South Asians only socializing amongst themselves.
I have noticed that this occurs more often with South Asian employees who have come from overseas to obtain a position here. This is understandable as they are not able to effectively communicate with others in the same manner as we can. However, I still feel that some are doing themselves a misfavor by isolating themselves like this in the workplace environment (and in other environments) from other types of people.
As a director of my practice, I look for people who can effectively communicate and work well in teams. I need people who jump boundaries and aren’t afraid to test the waters for a new idea or concept. Therefore, it worries me that I see South Asians isolated in the manner i’ve witnessed. I understand that socializing with people like yourself provides a solid comfort zone, but it also attracts attention in the wrong way, allowing people to perceive that you are not willing or interested in meeting or interacting with others.
South Asians are very talented, intelligent and even socially capable people. We have many potential leaders among our population. Therefore, I urge our younger South Asian professionals to embed themselves in different types of environments. Introduce yourself to new people in the workplace, and make new friends. Diversify your network and you will see many new doors open. In addition, it helps to educate others about our rich culture. I am sure many of you are doing this already, and I am glad to see many young South Asians gaining top leadership positions because of their natural ability to interact with others.
Regards,
Anil
After receiving this article from Anil, the SABAsearch Blog staff did some research and found many articles about “cliques” in the workplace. Here is an article about cliques in the workplace and why it is better (professionally) to avoid them: http://www.ravenwerks.com/leadership/tribal.htm
Anil, I see this a lot too, but I don’t think there is not really any way around it. The folks that come from India are pretty content with their status in the workplace. Now, that being said, I do agree that our community must diversify, but I think we are doing that also. Don’t let a few cliques here and there skew your mind.
One thing I do notice is that when we go out, we go in deep packs
I know a lot of the club owners try and create cover charges or other things to keep us out…but i don’t understand why. We drop lots of money at the bar, but i guess they want to promote a diverse scene. I think if you’re in for business, and we’re prepared to drop lots of cash at the bar…we should be gettin the red carpet treatment!
I don’t know what it is, but I see myself doing this all the time. As I get older, the more I associate myself strictly around South Asians. I remember in high school I used to have many more friends that were of different backgrounds, but once I got to college, I started striclty hanging out with South Asians. I am not prejudice in any way but I feel more comfortable around my own ethnic group.
I think it is due to the fact that we come from the same background (for the most part) and can relate to each other more. It is true that we need to break out of that habit once in a while and network with everybody. This will make us more successful in this country and as mentioned above, will allow us opportunities to spread awareness of our culture.
This is definitely an isolating factor, but we must understand that this phenomena does not only occur within our South Asian communities - in fact, this type of social gathering exists related to all types of common traits. In fact, it occurs within my company.
For example, within our workplace, we have two crowds, those who party a lot (and attend daily happy hours), and those who don’t (based on cultural or moral standards). These two groups are often seen with one another more often than with an individual from the other group. I think naturally, people tend to shift towards who they feel more comfortable with (people who they can be themselves around).
South Asians do have an exceptional talent ability, and I do agree that networking is the best way to open doors. However, i also feel as though South Asians are the most trustworthy within the workplace, thus underlying the reason to stay close to one another. My vote: stay close to who you feel most comfortable with. In addition, make networks and friendships with people who can pave your path towards success (which means venture out and make a beneficial friend even if you don’t like them). I am an example of a South Asian who reached my level based on hard work AND help from people in my network..it does help to network!
Anil is absolutely correct. I’m white, I’ve been working with Indians for years. I have mostly very positive experiences and I admire both their education and general attitude. However, the ones that seem to rise to the top are not the ones who shield themselves socially by staying within their comfortable clique. Rather, it is the one who learns to network and move socially within non Indian circles that is viewed as more mature, trustworthy and more communicative. As a non Indian, I can tell you that there is nothing wrong with staying in touch with people from similar backgrounds, that understand your culture best, etc. Everyone does it, it’s a natural “survival” tactic. However, keep in mind that it can change the perception of you willingness to fit into and work with a larger diverse team of people. And if things get tough and there are problems, people will interpret your allegiances accordingly, whether you actually agree with them or not.
I can tell you also that the single worst thing you can do speak in a foreign language around English only speakers. Nothing dilutes trust faster than that. Good luck.