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Asian Americans are most likely to participate in employee affinity organizations, but don’t feel sufficiently supported within their companies, a new survey shows.
Research recently released by AAPI Data and polling firm Momentive revealed that despite their particularly high levels of participation in employee-led resource groups (ERGs) — twice the rate of workers overall — Asian Americans continue to feel left out of corporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
NBC News reports the study, which examined diversity across American life, found that Asian Americans participate in employee-led groups at 16%, far exceeding the 8% of workers overall.
While more than half were motivated to do so to connect with others, 44%, said they were driven by professional growth opportunities and 39% cited the opportunity to raise awareness and inclusivity within their organization.
Asian Americans often feel “invisible” as the model minority
The model minority myth characterizes Asian Americans as a high achieving, hard-working, and intellectually outstanding monoethnic group. The myth also depicts Asian Americans as successful businessmen or having high-paying jobs in the STEM field.
The myth dates back to the 19th century, when the Chinese immigrants were compared to their counterparts while working on the transcontinental railroad—they were recognized for their hard-working ethic.
Although this stereotype has its positive outlook, it is harmful to any Asian American who does not fit into the stereotype.
Jayanthi Mistry, professor and chair of the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development, says, “Asians, who have a different history of…
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