Auténtico, Second Edition, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 1

The Myths of Meritocracy and Color-Blind Corporate Cultures

Cuando estás convencido que una causa es justa, continua luchando.

When you are convinced a cause is just, keep fighting.

—Rigoberta Menchú, Guatemalan human rights activist 1992 Nobel Peace Prize

Meritocracy—that uplifting concept defined as a workplace ethic that rewards those who show talent and competence as demonstrated by performance—is one of corporate America’s most cherished ideologies. According to this value, getting ahead in the workplace is based solely on individual merit.

Latinos and other traditionally underrepresented groups buy into the idea of meritocracy, often pursuing corporate careers precisely due to its promise. The trouble is, when companies consider ...