Perceived racial discrimination in the workplace: considering minority supervisory representation and inter-minority relations

This study examines the effects of increased supervisory representation by certain racial minority groups in U.S. federal agencies on the racial discrimination perceived by nonsupervisory employees of different racial groups in personnel practices. I find inconclusive evidence for inter-minority conflict and cooperation, and that the influence of supervisory representation by certain racial minority groups varies among outgroup minorities. White nonsupervisory employees appear to perceive more racial discrimination as the percentage of racial minority supervisors, regardless of race, increases. I call for further research and practices that disaggregate racial minority groups and consider inter-minority relations as well as minority–majority relations.