Why do people with disabilities have a harder time getting employment? Why can they never seem to stay employed for long periods of time? These are all questions that flood the minds of many. However, the biggest question that we will answer today is how we can change it. It is important for everyone to have equal opportunities and have their needs met in the workplace.
Mukta Kulkami did a case study in India due to its high population and job marketing opportunities. It is clear that the western world has embraced inclusion based on race, gender, sexuality, and etc. however the nonwestern world is a different case.
When it comes to people with disabilities Kulkami noted that they do get employed. But the socialization factor is lacking. Kulkarni later takes a deeper look into the reasons for the lack of socialization at 3 different levels of the workplace; supervisors, coworkers, and the disabled themselves.
Kulkarni has an interest in the socialization factor of PWD (people with disabilities) in the workplace. It is because socialization affects the work the employee puts into his/her job. “Effectively socialized employees achieve desired levels of job performance, have job satisfaction. Also, develop innovative ways to fulfil their organizational roles.” (Kulkami Lengnick-Hall, 523).
In studying the way co-workers and supervisors socialize with PWD. But the interactions were never purely negative. However, the interactions were harmful in the long-run for the PWD’s experience and motivation at work.
For example, a supervisor gives a PWD an easier worker than a non-PWD. This unknown to the supervisor created tension among the other workers who feel like it’s not fair. Thus no need to pull their weight. Because the supervisor didn’t teach the PWD as an equal. Hence, the co-workers didn’t see them as one either causing them to self isolate, or be let out.
Saladin and Rosengreen’s article focuses on hearing disabilities and the many challenges they face in the workplace. There are many disabilities in the world however many do not impair the individual in such a way that disrupts every aspect of life; deafness. Saladin and Rosengreen found that deaf people in the United States are less likely to get hired and or stay employed for a long period of time due to a lack of communication and expectations.
Articles
“The ability to meet task performance requirements is so important that workers can identify themselves as nonproductive and face termination from employment….” (Rosengreen and Saladin, 132). Also, it is clear that employers like to have employees they can effectively communicate with and if that is not possible due to a lack of knowledge in ASL or translation issues employment may seem next to impossible.
“Another challenge to workplace relationships is people who are Deaf may not have developed strong interpersonal or social skills by the time they enter the workplace…” (Rosengreen and Saladin 133).
Both articles offer solutions to these employment problems for example Kulkami and Lengnick-Hall stated that they saw improvements for PWD in the workplace when they treated them as equals. With the deaf community, Rosengreen and Saladin offer a different solution that is yet to be instituted in the workplace; understanding. Once you understand a person’s needs you are better suited to provide for those needs.
“Based on the results of the study, several constituencies may develop innovations in training to address the learning needs of both (deaf and hearing) groups.” (Rosengreen and Saladin, 141) How can organizations begin to improve? Looking into Saul’s International would be a good start.
Saul’s International equips companies and organizations with the necessary tools to improve worker and employer relationships through our trusted translation services. Our business services can help your business maintain profitability, manage growth, and succeed. Sauls International is geared towards helping our clients gain the best translation, interpretation and business plan services possible.
Sources: Socialization of people with disabilities in the workplace and Differences in Workplace Behavior Expectations between Deaf Workers and Hearing Employers
Authors: Kulkarni, M., & Lengnick-Hall, M. L and Rosengreen, K. M., Saladin, S. P., & Hansmann, S.
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