Article Critique

Article Critique

Bias in Intergroup Perceptions: Balancing Group Identity with Social Reality is an extensive survey research conducted by Ellemers et al. (1997). The researchers succinctly revealed how social reality impact in-group favouritism. The sampling of 103 participants for the study was necessary to confirm or dismiss the accuracy of literary works. In addition, the researchers understood the importance of including student union’s members and non-members. Moreover, it is ideal to choose young research subjects such as students so that the study reveals all the in-group and out-group traits.

            Further, the evaluation and rating of both groups as per the typical and non-typical traits is recommendable, especially in edifying the existing gap between in-group and out-group aspects. The researchers also conducted an exhaustive literary review. Ellemers et al. (1997) used credible journals to gather secondary information. While they are effective in this regard, most of the articles are over twenty years old hence does not clearly reflect the modern views and development. Nevertheless, the scholars adhere to the survey research requirements as depicted in the protocol. The hypotheses not only guide the researchers on the procedural execution but also shed light on the potential research outcomes. Most importantly, Ellemers et al. (1997) utilized questionnaires to gather data from 45 females and 58 males. Since the confidentiality of study subjects is assured, the information provided is deemed credible. Even though the use of questionnaires as a main data collection technique is less costly, the researchers should not compromise on information validity. Alternatively, Ellemers et al. (1997) should have incorporated other methods such as interviews and observations for outcome confirmation.

            This study confirms my argument that the Saudi government is motivated to display in-group favouritism to address the issue of unemployment among the local youth (Tajfel et al., 2011). What the kingdom’s leaders do not know is that this attitude against foreigners will trigger a negative behaviour. For instance, the investors may pull out of the country since they can’t hire unskilled locals at a higher cost. Besides, there will be an economic and social instability as a result of the biased judgement (Simon, 2012). In this case, the higher status group is the skilled foreign labour while the low-status members include the insecure Saudi community.

            The people’s negative attitude elicits a sharp reaction that prompts a hostile behaviour towards global citizens. Therefore, the introduction of Saudization policy symbolizes a defensive stance due to an imminent perceived threat to the Islamic culture and values (Looney, 2014). It goes without saying that a sharp contrast exists between the Islamic world and the West. Given that most of the private businesses in the country are multinationals, the Saudi Kingdom business department foresees a waning power should it not intervene in time.

I recommend that the government should instead focus on developing youth centres and reforming its learning institutions to meet the modern standards. It is a pity that more than 50% of the in-group’s potential employees have studied religion (Al-Dosary & Rahman, 2015). Consequently, their skills are incompatible with the requirements of private investors. Additionally, the state should set aside funds for training youth rather than scaring off the investors with strict business regulations. The attitudes towards foreigners have to change through a gradual embrace of Western values and capitalistic mindset. Once the Saudis shed off the hostile behaviour, competition will set in and the unemployment levels will drop drastically. Of keen to note is that in the country’s public sector, most of the jobs created annually are not needed (Al-Shammari, 2012). In comparison, profitability motivates the private investors, thus explaining the preference of out-group employees.

References

Al-Dosary, A. S., & Rahman, S. M. (2015). Saudization (Localization)–A critical Review. Human Resource Development International, 8(4), 495-502.

Al-Shammari, S. A. (2012). Saudization And Skill Formation for Employment in the Private Sector. London: Oxford Publishers.

Ellemers, N., Van Rijswijk, W., Roefs, M., & Simons, C. (1997). Bias in Intergroup Perceptions: Balancing Group Identity with Social Reality. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 23(2), 186-198.

Looney, R. (2014). Saudization And Sound Economic Reforms: Are The Two Compatible? Naval Postgraduate School Monterey Ca Centre for Contemporary Conflict.

Simon, B. (2012). The Perception of Ingroup and Outgroup Homogeneity: Reintroducing the Intergroup Context. European Review of Social Psychology, 3(1), 1-30.

Tajfel, H., Billig, M. G., Bundy, R. P., & Flament, C. (2011). Social Categorization and Intergroup Behaviour. European Journal of Social Psychology, 1(2), 149-178.