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Wong, Loong Wei (2025) Stereotyping at the multicultural workplace. The case of Jewish, Chinese, and American immigrant in multicultural workplaces in Singapore and Malaysia. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)]

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Abstract

Antisemitism, the stereotype or prejudice against the Jewish community, has gained significant global attention, particularly in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict, also known as the Gaza War. According to the Anti-Defamation League, there has been a reported increase of over 300% in antisemitic incidents since the war, primarily in the United States and European countries. Concurrently, discussions around the opposite phenomenon, philosemitism, have also seen a notable rise.

This dissertation explores the impact of stereotyping in multicultural workplaces, with a focus on Singapore and Malaysia, two nations recognized for their rich cultural diversity and global workforce integration. By analysing stereotypes associated with Jewish, alongside with Chinese and American immigrants, the study investigates the coexistence of positive (philosemitic) and negative (antisemitic) stereotypes and their influence on managerial decision-making processes. Through a survey-based quantitative research methodology, data was collected from working adults in both countries to assess perceptions of immigrant employees under varied workplace scenarios, including positive contributions and professional mistakes. The findings highlight significant variations in how stereotypes—both positive and negative—shape workplace experiences, particularly in aspects such as recognition, punishment, and career progression.

The research reveals that stereotypes play a dual role: while positive stereotypes, such as perceptions of financial acumen or socioeconomic status, may lead to elevated expectations, they can also result in unrealistic pressures and role pigeonholing. Negative stereotypes, on the other hand, perpetuate biases that hinder inclusion and equality, impacting managerial decisions related to hiring, promotions, and disciplinary actions. The study further identifies that the geopolitical context, cultural nuances, and historical associations of ethnic groups contribute to the persistence of these stereotypes in professional environments.

A comparative analysis of Singapore and Malaysia demonstrates how their differing socio-political frameworks—Singapore’s meritocracy and Malaysia’s affirmative action policies—affect the prevalence and impact of stereotypes. While Singapore’s diverse yet hierarchical workplace minimizes overt discrimination, biases remain evident in subtler forms, such as philosemitism, "Chinese privilege" and the preferential treatment of Western expatriates. Conversely, Malaysia’s ethnic-based policies may create additional layers of complexity in addressing workplace stereotyping, particularly concerning non-Malay employees.

The findings reveal nuanced biases shaped by cultural and geopolitical contexts, offering critical insights for fostering inclusive practices in globalized work environments. This study contributes to the literature on workplace diversity by addressing gaps related to immigrant and ethnic stereotypes, proposing strategies to mitigate biases and enhance equity in professional settings.

Item Type:	Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Keywords:	stereotype; discrimination; prejudice; multicultural; workplace; antisemitism; philosemitism
Depositing User:	Wong, Loong
Date Deposited:	28 Jul 2025 11:40
Last Modified:	28 Jul 2025 11:40
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/80274

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