Understanding Insider-Outsider Dynamics and Stereotype Threat

Valerie Purdie Greenaway, a psychology professor at Columbia University, discusses her research on insider and outsider dynamics, focusing on how identity and stereotypes affect neurological and workplace performance. She highlights the subtle structural features that can reinforce outsider status and the importance of addressing these to improve performance and authenticity in professional settings.

What is Valerie Purdie Greenaway's professional role?

• A professor of cultural psychology at Columbia University

• A financial analyst at a major firm

• A medical doctor at a hospital

• A software engineer at Google

What are insider and outsider dynamics?

• The relationship between employees and their managers

• The dynamics between historically included and underrepresented groups

• The interaction between different departments in a company

• The competition between rival companies

What is a common experience for everyone according to Valerie?

• No one experiences insider or outsider status

• Everyone experiences only insider status

• Everyone experiences only outsider status

• Everyone experiences both insider and outsider status in different contexts

What is the starting point for companies to address performance issues according to Valerie?

• Focusing on individual talent

• Analyzing the structure of the company

• Increasing salaries

• Hiring more employees

How can stereotype threat affect individuals in high-pressure situations?

• It can cause anxiety and undermine their performance

• It makes them more competitive

• It has no impact on their performance

• It boosts their confidence and performance

Which part of the brain is associated with anxiety during stereotype threat?

• The hippocampus

• The occipital lobe

• The amygdala

• The cerebellum

What is one effect of stereotype threat on workplace performance?

• It enhances creativity

• It improves memory retention

• It increases teamwork

• It reduces motivation and authenticity

What is one of the neurological effects of stereotype threat?

• Enhanced memory and focus

• Decreased activity in the amygdala

• Increased activity in the prefrontal cortex

• Amplified anxiety and reduced learning capacity

What subtle structural feature was mentioned as reinforcing outsider status?

• The type of office plants

• The color of office walls

• The brand of coffee served

• The design of chairs

How do extramural sports at work relate to insider-outsider dynamics?

• They have no relation to insider-outsider dynamics

• They only benefit those who are already insiders

• They are mandatory for all employees

• They can highlight who is an insider and who is an outsider