Black emerging market perceptions

Three quarters also feel that black people are often made managers without the necessary training and skills just to fulfill affirmative action quotas. And over 90% feel that black people in industry are constantly underestimated in terms of what they are able to contribute.

These were some of the findings of fieldwork specialist Mictert Marketing Research's annual Black Emerging Market Perceptions (BEMP) study. A multibus quantitative study, BEMP seeks to provide a glimpse into the beliefs, values and attitudes towards economic, social and political issues of South African 'buppies' – black, upwardly-mobile professionals.

The study also revealed that over three quarters of respondents felt strongly that positions should be awarded on merit only, and not just because the person has a black skin. Similarly, promotions and increases should be based on merit only, according to 52% of respondents.

Other views on the workplace to emerge from BEMP include:

-- 60.7% of respondents felt that black people in senior positions have to adapt their standards to fit in with those prevailing in industry, for instance, having to play golf, drink, and enjoy rugby.

-- 71.9% felt strongly that as far as jobs are concerned, preference is given to friends, comrades, and those who have been in exile.

-- Almost 50% of respondents felt strongly that once a black person becomes successful, he or she is no longer on the side of the previously disadvantaged.

-- 79.8% felt that the discrepancy between what an unskilled worker earns versus someone in senior management is grossly unfair.