Multiethnic perspectives on leadership and diversity in organizations

This qualitative phenomenological study describes the experiences, perspectives, and understandings of 20 ethnically diverse leaders on leading diversity. Data collected from the interviews were transcribed, coded in a qualitative software program, and organized into themes. Themes that emerged were self-esteem, identity, stereotyping, perception, and oppression. The results of this study revealed distinctions among ethnicities, variations within ethnicities, and commonalities across ethnicities. Behavioral themes included vision focus, client focus, employee validation, and cultivation of a positive, service-oriented environment. Implications for leadership indicate that: (a) stereotyping is erroneous and causes contention, while education and experience seem to be the ultimate equalizers, and (b) an eclectic leadership approach appears to assuage potential workplace conflicts.