Abstract
This chapter explores the critical relationship between subjective control and intergroup discrimination within employment and other contexts, shedding light on the psychological and behavioral mechanisms that underpin discrimination in modern cross-cultural settings. The findings are based on two experiments that provide compelling evidence of subjective control as a driving factor in discriminatory behavior. The first experiment demonstrated that New Zealanders, when experiencing heightened subjective control, disproportionately chose to dismiss more Asians (outgroup members) while retaining and rehiring more New Zealanders (ingroup members). This phenomenon highlights how an increased sense of control can reinforce preferential bias toward one’s own group. The second experiment revealed that New Zealanders with diminished subjective control, induced through ostracism, exhibited increased discriminatory behavior by assigning more hot sauce to Americans (outgroup members) than New Zealanders (ingroup members). Strikingly, this act of discrimination served to restore their subjective control to pre-existing levels. Crucially, the results across both experiments emphasize that the association between subjective control and intergroup discrimination operates independently of variables such as group identity, self-esteem, personal meaning, and belonging. These findings suggest that subjective control plays a significant motivational role in driving intergroup discrimination, offering valuable insights into how discrimination manifests and persists in organizational, cultural, and societal contexts. This chapter contributes to the discourse on modern cross-cultural management by positioning subjective control as a foundational variable in understanding and addressing intergroup discrimination. By examining the psychological dynamics of discrimination, it highlights the need for strategies that account for subjective control to foster inclusivity and equity in diverse environments. These insights serve as a crucial resource for leaders and organizations seeking to navigate and mitigate the complexities of cross-cultural interactions in the globalized workplace.