Publications
Publications
- January 1991 (Revised November 1994)
- HBS Case Collection
Black Caucus Groups at Xerox Corp. (A)
Abstract
In 1970 Xerox had a very progressive affirmative action program yet, once hired, black employees faced serious problems, due both to overt discrimination and to their exclusion from the informal networks of support, information and mentoring that the other salespeople shared. The black employees responded by establishing seven independent support groups around the United States. These black caucuses functioned as both self-help groups to prepare black employees for promotion and as pressure groups to push for policy changes within Xerox. In 1974 Xerox fears the caucuses are forming a national organization. Students must decide how to respond to this potentially dangerous situation.
Keywords
Prejudice and Bias; Alliances; Race Characteristics; Employees; Consumer Products Industry; Electronics Industry; United States
Citation
Friedman, Raymond A. "Black Caucus Groups at Xerox Corp. (A)." Harvard Business School Case 491-047, January 1991. (Revised November 1994.)